Council Says: Elections Looming – Make Sure You Are Registered To Vote

Published on: 2 Sep, 2015
Updated on: 5 Sep, 2015

With the possibility of a referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU next year and the Police and Crime Commissioner election due to take place in May 2016, Guildford Borough Council is keen to ensure that all entitled residents check they are properly registered.

In a press release issued by the council today (September 2) it is stated: “Local residents have been sent voter registration forms as the annual canvass takes place across the borough. It’s important residents check details are correct to avoid losing the chance to vote.

“Everyone is being reminded to fill in and return forms as soon as possible. Anyone that wants to vote must be registered.

“To make sure you can have your say… simply check the form when it arrives and return it as promptly as possible. If you’re not currently registered, we’ll send you information explaining how to do this. Or you can just go online to apply to register at: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

The register to vote webpage.

“It’s particularly important that anyone who has moved address recently looks out for the form and checks whether they are registered.”

Research by the independent Electoral Commission indicates that across Great Britain, recent home movers are far less likely to be registered than those that have lived at the same address for a long time.

The commission’s findings were that 94 per cent of people who have been at their property for more than 16 years will be registered, compared to just 40 per cent of people who have lived at an address for less than one year.

Kay Jenkins, head of English regions at the Electoral Commission said: “The annual canvass is an opportunity for people to easily check whether they’re registered. It’s essential for a healthy democracy that everyone who is entitled to vote is able to, and for those who need to registering is now easier than ever with the online system of registration.”

“If you have changed address in the last year, it’s particularly likely that you will need to register at your new address, so check the form as soon as it arrives.”

For more information contact electoral services at Guildford Borough Council on 01483 444115, email electoralservices@guildford.gov.uk or visit www.guildford.gov.uk/electoralregistration.

2015-09-02

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