Annual canvass 2021 – Time is running out

Local residents are being urged not to lose their voice on decisions that affect them by making sure their electoral registration details are up to date. The deadline for new applications for new electoral register is 22 November.

The annual canvass ensures that Reigate & Banstead Borough Council can keep the electoral register up to date.

With elections taking place in the borough of Reigate and Banstead in May 2022, this is an important opportunity for residents to make sure they can take part.

Mari Roberts-Wood, Electoral Registration Officer at Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, said: “Every year, we check the electoral register is up to date. We’re almost done for this year. If you haven’t responded to our letters, emails, texts or follow-up reminders yet, a member of our team may visit your home to ask for these details. Please help them with their work or follow the steps in the correspondence we sent you to let us know your details are correct. We’re required by law to visit all homes that haven’t replied.

“If you’re not currently registered, your name will not appear in the messages we send. The easiest way to register is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote, or we’ll send you information explaining how to do this.”

Recent home movers far less likely to be registered

People who have moved recently are particularly encouraged to look out for the voter registration messages from us and check the details. Research by the Electoral Commission, published in 2019, indicates that recent home movers are far less likely to be registered than those who have lived at the same address for a long time. Across Great Britain, 92% of people who have been at their property for more than sixteen years will be registered, compared to 36% of people who have lived at an address for less than one year.

Being registered for Council Tax does not mean you are registred to vote. It can also be harder to get credit if you’re not registered as it can affect your credit rating.

Melanie Davidson, Head of Support and Improvement at the Electoral Commission, said: “It’s really important that everyone who is entitled to vote is able to do so. Checking the messages that you will get from your local authority is the easiest way to see if you’re registered to vote. If you’re not, make sure you provide the necessary information to your local authority when it is needed and register to vote online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.”

For more information about the annual canvass visit www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/canvass. Residents who still have questions can email elreg@reigate-banstead.gov.uk or call the elections helpline on 01737 276794.

Information on registering to vote is available on the Electoral Commission’s website www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter.