Residents to receive a visit about electoral register

Residents in Stratford-on-Avon District who have yet to be confirmed on the new electoral register will be visited by Stratford District Council officers reminding them of the importance of submitting their details.

Although residents are not obliged to vote in the election, it is a legal requirement that their details are submitted for inclusion on the register as it is used to provide credit checks and jury service selection.

Darren Whitney, Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Democratic Services Manager says: “Earlier this year the Government rolled out Individual Electoral Registration across the UK which means each individual voter is now responsible for registering their own vote.  Previously one registration form was sent to each property with the names of all eligible voters included on it, whereas now each resident will receive their own individual registration form.

“For the most part residents have been automatically transferred over to the new register as their identities have been confirmed using data held by the Department for Work and Pensions.  However for those who have not been included, it is important they provide their details as soon as possible.  Not only could any omissions cost them the right to vote in next year's General Election or District Council Elections, but it could also affect their credit rating and have serious repercussions for things such as mortgages, phone contract and credit card applications."

In July this year letters were sent to the District's 90,407 eligible voters confirming whether their details had been automatically transferred to the new register.  Less than 6,800 of local District residents were not automatically transferred to the new register and were asked to submit their details for inclusion.

In August/September, reminder letters were sent and visits will now be made to the 3,991 eligible voters whose details are still outstanding.

From 10 October, Stratford District Council officers will visit residents at home to ask them to complete their details.  Residents will be asked for their date of birth and national insurance number to confirm their identity for the register.  Officers will be identifiable with photographic identification which can be confirmed by calling the District Council on 01789 260208

For more information or to register details online visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.  Alternatively please call 01789 260208 to register over the phone.