Tamworth residents are being reminded not to lose their voice on decisions that affect them, by making sure their electoral registration details are up to date as part of the annual canvass.
The annual canvass ensures that Tamworth Borough Council can keep the electoral register up to date, identifying any residents who are not registered so they can be encouraged to do so. They would then be able take part in any future elections.
Letters are being sent to every home in the borough, with the first canvass mailings hitting doorsteps from Friday 22 July.
Residents are advised to read their canvass communication and follow the instructions contained within it. Please always let us know if there are any changes or amendments.
Key points to remember:
- It’s vital to register now so that you can cast your vote - Your vote is your voice!
- Every vote counts: lots of people think that their vote will not make a difference.
- Adding someone’s name to the canvass form does not register them to vote. They still need to complete an invitation to register before their details will be added to the electoral roll.
- You can register from 16 years of age, although you cannot vote until you are 18 years old.
You can register to vote easily and quickly in the following ways:
- Online via: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
- Over the phone: 01827 214155
- By completing an invitation to register form.
As part of the application process, you will need to provide your national insurance number as part of the application.
Andrew Barratt, Chief Executive and Electoral Registration Officer at Tamworth Borough Council, said: “It’s important that residents keep an eye out for messages from Tamworth Borough Council, so we can make sure we have the right details on the electoral register for every address in Tamworth. To make sure you are able to have your say at future elections, please simply follow the instructions in the letter we send.”
People who have recently moved are particularly encouraged to look out for the voter registration messages and check the details. Research by the Electoral Commission 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.
The research also indicates that fewer younger people are registering to vote, it is key that young people also register to vote and have their say.
For more information about registering to vote visit: www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter.
Residents can contact the Electoral Services Office by emailing canvass2023@tamworth.gov.uk or by calling 01827 214155 (during office hours only).
Notes:
- The borough elections and Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, are taking place in Tamworth Borough Council in May 2024.
- The Representation of the People Act 1983 places a duty on Electoral Registration Officers to maintain the electoral register for their area and to conduct an annual canvass of all residential properties.
- The electoral register lists the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote in public elections. The register is used for electoral purposes, such as making sure only eligible people can vote. It is also used for other limited purposes specified in law, such as detecting crime (e.g. fraud), calling people for jury service or checking credit applications.
- The open register is an extract of the electoral register, but is not used for elections. It can be bought by any person, company or organisation. For example, it is used by businesses and charities to confirm name and address details. Your name and address will be included in the open register unless you ask for them to be removed. Removing your details from the open register does not affect your right to vote.
- To be eligible to register to vote a person must be:
- Aged 16 or over (a person may register to vote at 16, but may not vote until they are 18)
- A British or qualifying Commonwealth citizen who has leave to enter and remain in the UK or does not require such leave.
- A citizen of the Republic of Ireland or other European Union (EU) member state.
- British citizens, Irish citizens and qualifying citizens of Commonwealth countries (including Cyprus and Malta) can vote in local government elections and Police and Crime Commissioner elections. To date, the UK Government has not made changes to the eligibility of EU citizens, meaning at present they too can vote in these elections.