Urgent electoral registration reminder issued

Residents in Stratford-on-Avon District are being urged to safeguard their vote at election time by sparing just a few minutes of their time to get their name registered on the electoral roll.  

In July, electoral registration forms were posted out to every household in the district. However, although 58,500 forms were sent out, there are still approximately 12,000 to be returned - despite reminders being sent out.  

The District Council is required by law to obtain this information, so a canvasser will be sent to any property which has not returned the form to obtain the information. This will result in further costs for the District Council and tax payer in the region of £13,000.  

Failure to return a completed form may mean that a person's details are not included on the electoral register. People who are not on the register will not be able to vote at parliamentary elections, local elections or referendums. It may also make it difficult for people to obtain credit because credit agencies use the register when they check credit ratings. No one is automatically registered to vote even if they are paying Council Tax. Anyone who hasn't already confirmed their details or returned their form is therefore encouraged to do so immediately.

Providing all details are unchanged on the form, it is quick, simple and free; it also helps the District Council to cut down on administration, saving time and money. In less than 60 seconds people can confirm their details 24 hours a day by free phone, text or online. If there are any changes to the form, such as adding or removing residents, this can only be done online or by returning the form to the Council.

David Dalby, Democratic Services Manager at Stratford-on-Avon District Council, says: "It is vital that every household in the district returns a completed electoral registration form if they have not done so already. Voting is an opportunity for people to have their say on important issues which affect their everyday lives. We've had a good response so far, but I'm urging all households who haven't yet replied to their electoral registration forms to respond as soon as possible.  

"Registration is compulsory, as it allows residents to exercise their right to vote. If there is a major election in the near future, people will need to be on the electoral register in order to do this."  

For further information please contact the District Council on 01789 260208.