Electoral registration system is changing this summer

Over the summer, all Stratford-on-Avon District residents will receive a letter through the post telling them about the biggest change to the electoral registration system in nearly 100 years.

Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Electoral Registration Officer will write to 98,000 residents and 5,000 households across the District. The letter will explain that a new, more secure, system of Individual Electoral Registration (IER) is being introduced to replace the old Victorian system where the 'head of household' registered everyone living in a property. Now, each individual will be responsible for registering themselves.

Many Stratford-on-Avon District residents will automatically move onto the new electoral register. However, some will need to take action to join or remain on it, which they will now also be able to do for the first time by registering quickly and easily online.

Darren Whitney, Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Democratic Services Manager, said: “Stratford-on-Avon District residents will receive a letter in July that will explain the change to the electoral registration system. Look out for the letter as it will tell you if you have been automatically transferred to the new register or not. If you have not been transferred, you will need to provide some additional information and the letter will tell you exactly what you need to do."

Samantha Mills, Head of Campaigns at the Electoral Commission, said: “This summer the Electoral Commission will launch a major advertising campaign that will raise awareness of the change to Individual Electoral Registration. We welcome this change, which will lead to a more secure register and replace the outdated Victorian concept that a single 'head of household' is responsible for registering everyone."

For more information visit www.gov.uk/yourvotematters.

If you do not receive a letter contact Stratford-on-Avon District Council's elections team on 01789 260208 or email elections@stratford-dc.gov.uk.