Published Tuesday, 16th August 2022

Reigate & Banstead Borough Council residents are being urged to check their electoral registration details or risk losing their chance to vote on decisions that affect them.

The annual canvass allows Reigate & Banstead Borough Council to keep the electoral register up todate, to identify who risks losing their voice at elections, and to encourage them to register before it’s too late.

With Borough, Town and Parish Council elections taking place in May 2023, this is an opportunity for residents to make sure they can take part.

Updating the electoral register

Mari-Roberts-Wood, Electoral Registration Officer at Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, said “The annual canvass is our way of making sure that the information on the electoral register for every address is accurate. To make sure you don’t lose your say at the next election, look out for instructions from us – this could be an email, letter or text message – and respond as soon as possible, if you are asked to do so.

If you don’t hear from us, you might not be on the register. The easiest way to register to vote is online at register-to-vote - GOV.UK.

Are you registered to vote?

Recent home movers in particular are urged to check their details. Electoral Commission research has found that people who have recently moved are less likely to be registered than those who have lived at the same address for a long time. In Great Britain, 92% of those who have lived in their home for 16 years will be registered, compared with 36% of people who have lived at an address for less than a year.

Being registered for Council Tax does not mean you are registered 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 eligible to vote is able to do so. We urge people to look out for updates from their local council on this year’s canvass.

If you are not registered to vote, make sure you provide the necessary information to your local council when asked and register to vote online at register-to-vote - GOV.UK.

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