Thousands sign up for electoral roll

There are now 95,301 people on Stratford-on-Avon District Council's electoral register.  The number of registered electors has decreased by 0.53% compared to 95,809 when the register was published in 2009. 

This follows the annual canvass this autumn when residents were asked to complete an electoral registration form for the address they were living at on 15 October 2010. Only 13% of properties did not respond, compared to 13.7% last year.

Stratford-on-Avon District has now published (1 December) the updated Register of Electors for 2010. Everyone who completed a registration form during the annual canvass should now be listed.

Copies of the full register are available to view at the District Council's HQ, Church Street, Stratford-upon-Avon. Any amendments can be made under 'rolling registration' in the New Year.

The register includes all those eligible to vote in local and parliamentary elections and the proposed referendum next year on political reform and the alternative voting system.

As well as being registered to vote, the Register of Electors also helps people with obtaining credit and other financial services as the information has to be supplied to credit reference agencies.

Darren Whitney, Democratic Services Manager says: "Voting is the most important way for people to have their say on issues that concern them so residents must ensure they are registered to vote. Decisions are made by the District Council everyday on its residents' behalf, on important issues from planning and recreational facilities to housing and the environment. By voting, residents can influence who will be making these decisions for them and can hold their elected representatives accountable.  I urge anyone who is unsure whether they are registered to contact the electoral services team."

If you have not registered yet or have recently moved into the area, you can still register to vote. Please call electoral services on 01789 260209 or email elections@stratford-dc.gov.uk