Don't lose your right to vote - it's canvas time!

Stratford-on-Avon District Council is urging local residents to return their electoral registration form to ensure that they don't lose their right to vote as reminders are sent out this week to householders who have not yet registered.

A total of 53,772 forms were sent out at the beginning of September and so far 41,135 have been returned.  

"It is vital that people respond to this request for information.  People must register by law - even if they don't think they want to vote.  If people fail to return their forms, then reminders are sent out and may result in us having to send someone to the house to collect the data we need but ultimately failure to complete the forms could result in a fine of up to £1,000," says Darren Whitney, Democratic Services Manager.

"The vast majority of our households in the District are unchanged and in these cases residents can help us to save money on postage, and speed up the process, by confirming the details using the freephone or internet, which are all quick and easy to use.  We have received a number of compliments about the service and how quick and easy it is to use for those whose details have not changed."  

Over 7,000 residents have registered using the internet and 8,100 have used the freephone number.   

Some of the comments received include:

• Excellent way to register, takes minutes, hassle free do it from the comfort of your own home;
• Brilliant, quick and easy;
• Very good, very efficient and user friendly;
• Great. Much easier than a paper return.  

For more information or enquiries about the Register of Electors form please contact the Electoral Services Helpline on 01789 260208.

All British, Commonwealth, Irish and European Union citizens over the age of 16 are required to give their names and addresses, so that they can be included on the register, which will be published on 1 December 2008.

The electoral registration forms have to be returned as soon as possible, although it is rolling register now, and must be filled in for the address residents will be living at on 15 October 2008.

The forms enable local residents to be included on the electoral register and to vote in any forthcoming elections. Next year, this will include Warwickshire County Council elections and the European Parliamentary Elections and could include a General Election, if one is called.

If no changes to the information on the electoral register are needed, then people can use either a freephone telephone or internet service, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the registration period.  All the details are on the voter registration form.

The register is also used by Credit Reference Agencies and if you are not registered you cannot get credit.