DON’T MISS OUT ON YOUR CHANCE TO VOTE

Date of Release: 02/10/07

Residents are being urged to stand up and be counted – or miss out on the chance to vote in elections next year.

The Authority is required by law to carry out an annual canvass to compile the Register of Electors and reminder forms are now being sent to homes throughout the Borough.

Details can now be confirmed over the phone or via the internet, although if there are any changes the forms must be amended and posted to the Council.

Brian Hayes, Charnwood Borough Council’s Returning Officer, said: “It is essential for people to register their details because they will not be able to take part in any elections if their details are not on the Register of Electors.

“They may also, unfortunately, find it very hard to gain credit and get a loan as credit reference agencies are entitled to the Register of Electors and use it to perform credit checks.”

There are three different ways for people to return or update their forms. These are:

• If you are happy with the information on the canvass form, you can confirm your details by using the FREE and secure telephone or internet service. You will find your own unique reference number on the top right hand side of the form and should enter this number when prompted after calling 0800 197 9885
• Alternatively, if you do not wish to make any changes to the form, log on to the secure internet service – www.registerbyinternet.com/charnwood - and follow the onscreen instructions to confirm your instructions to confirm your details.
• If you need to change any details other than the opt out option, or wish to apply for a postal vote, clearly mark or amend the form and then return it by post to Charnwood Borough Council, Southfield Road, Loughborough Leicestershire LE11 2TR

Details need to be updated for the annual canvass with reference to Monday 15 October but may be confirmed as soon as possible and the register is published on or by Saturday 1st December.

Anyone moving home before October 15 should leave the canvass form at their old address and complete a form at their new address.

If you do not have a canvass form, or want to find out further details about electoral registration, please contact the Charnwood Borough Council’s Electoral Services Section (01509) 634613 or 634995 or visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/democracy/electoralregister.html