Don’t lose your chance to vote

Published: 11 August 2021

People living in Exeter are being warned not to lose their voice on decisions that affect them by making sure their electoral registration details are up-to-date.

With elections taking place in Exeter next year in May 2022, this is an important opportunity for local residents to make sure they can take part.

The annual canvass is taking place now and ensures that the City Council can keep the electoral register up- to-date, identifying any residents who are not registered so that they can be encouraged to do so. Letters are starting to drop through doors now.

John Street, Electoral Registration Officer said: “It’s important that residents keep an eye out for messages from us so we can make sure we have the right details on the electoral register for every address.

“To make sure you are able to have your say at elections taking place next year, simply follow the instructions from your local authority.

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

People who have moved recently 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.

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.

The Electoral Commission has also stressed the importance of the annual canvass and making sure  everyone who is entitled to vote is able to do so.

The Electoral Commission said that it was important to provide all the necessary information to the local authority when it is needed to ensure the process runs smoothly.

There’s lots of helpful information about registering to vote on the website at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter

Any residents who have any questions can contact their local registration team on 01392 265141 or email electoral.services@exeter.gov.uk