Don’t lose your vote – reminder to respond to the annual canvass

In July, Buckinghamshire Council’s Electoral Services team sent either a letter or an email to all households in Buckinghamshire as part of the annual canvass, asking residents to check their electoral registration details are correct to make sure they retain their right to vote in future elections.

Households that haven’t confirmed or updated their details are being urged to do so as soon as possible – and preferably online as residents not on the electoral register won’t be able to vote in any upcoming local or national elections.

People who have moved recently are encouraged to take part in the canvass and check who is registered to vote at their new address, this also applies if someone in the household has reached the age of 16 or 17 in the last year.

Households that haven’t responded by the end of September will be visited by one of Buckinghamshire Council’s door-to-door canvassers, who began doing their rounds on Friday 23 September.

Canvassers will be carrying clear identification with them and will encourage residents to complete the canvass forms and can assist if required. Anyone who would prefer not to speak to a canvasser will still be given the means to complete the canvass online. They can also contact the Council’s Electoral Registration team by telephoning 01296 798 141 or emailing elections@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

Nick Graham, Returning Officer and Director of Legal & Democratic Services, said:

“I’d like to thank everyone who has already responded, confirmed or updated their details. However, we are still waiting for responses from approximately 27,000 households despite having been sent reminders. Checking and updating your information is quick and easy; simply follow the instructions on the email or letter as soon as possible to avoid a visit from one of our canvassers.

“We’d really like to encourage residents to respond to the canvass using digital channels where possible, as all information will then be processed instantly and there’s no chance of the form being lost in the post – it’s also more environmentally friendly. Last year, £15k worth of postage/printing costs were saved due to electors responding digitally.

“It’s really important that residents are on the electoral register so that they can have their say and vote in future elections. The register is also used for credit referencing purposes to counteract fraud. If you’re not registered you might be refused credit, have problems opening a bank account, getting a mortgage or taking out a mobile phone contract.” 

Further information on the annual canvass can be found on the Election pages of the council’s website at: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/confirm-voting-details