Make sure you’re on the electoral register

Published: 6 October 2020

People in Exeter are being urged to return their annual electoral registration canvass form and have a chance to vote in next year’s local elections.

Exeter goes to the polls in May 2021and this is an important opportunity for local residents to make sure they can take part.

The annual canvass 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.

Failing to return a canvass form means the Council has to carry out a house call and it is trying to keep these to a minimum at this current time.

John Street, Electoral Registration Officer said: “If everyone responds to their form, we can reduce the number of house calls that we make, which makes a lot of sense during the Coronavirus pandemic.”

“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.

“If you have received a form marked ‘Canvass Form’, you are required to respond to it. The easiest way is to simply go online and follow the instructions on the form,” 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.

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. Making sure you provide the necessary information to your local authority when it is needed will ensure the process runs smoothly. This is particularly helpful in the current public health situation, as it will help avoid the need for home visits from canvassers.

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

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