Households urged to respond to annual electoral register check
Published: Wed 30th August, 2023
Letters reminding households in Charnwood to respond to this year’s check of the electoral register will begin to land this week.
Charnwood Borough Council is posting around 11,500 forms to prompt the remaining households which have not yet responded to the check.
Each year the Council is legally required to complete the check. All households are contacted and asked to confirm the details on the electoral register are correct or inform the Council of any changes.
People are asked to check the details on the form carefully and respond by Friday September 15.
The Council used email in the first instance to contact households across the borough to help reduce the number of letters issued to save time, money and the environment.
Residents can update their contact details with the Council’s Electoral Services team so they may be able to receive an email instead of a letter next year by emailing elections@charnwood.gov.uk.
Rob Mitchell, the Council’s Chief Executive and Electoral Registration Officer said: “A big thank you to everyone who responded to the email and initial paper form which was hand delivered to households in the area earlier this summer.
“Compared to this stage in the process last year, we have seen almost a 10 per cent increase in the response rate which is great. This reminder letter is a further prompt to households which we have not received a response from.
“It is essential people have the right to vote and completing this form ensures we have the correct details for you and those in your household who are eligible to vote.
“If you didn’t respond to the initial form, keep an eye out for the reminder form which will arrive in the post. I would encourage residents to read the letter carefully and respond by the deadline to save us carrying out further follow-ups.”
The Council is legally required to carry out the check each year to ensure that the electoral register is up to date, so that everyone who is eligible to vote is registered and can have a say in future elections and referendums.
People are being asked to check whether the information currently on the electoral register for those living at their address is correct.
If the information is not correct (if people have moved out or into the property) then residents need to let the Council know as soon as possible so individual electoral registration forms can be sent to those who need to register to vote.
The Electoral Registration Officer needs the information to be able to publish a complete and accurate electoral register on December 1 each year.
Having your details on the electoral register will:
- allow you to vote
- improve your credit rating
- make it easier to access council services
- help you avoid a fine
Full details of how residents can complete the form online, by phone, via text or by post are outlined in the form sent to them.
Frequently asked questions about this year’s check can be found on the Council's website.
More information can be found on the Council’s website or residents can contact the Council on 01509 634546.