Herefordshire Council is asking residents to look out for a ‘household enquiry form’ in the post, asking them to check whether the information that appears on the electoral register about their address is correct.
The aim of the form is to make sure that the electoral register is up-to-date and to identify any residents who are not registered so that they can be encouraged to do so. It is a legal requirement to return the form.
Colette Maund, Electoral Services Manager for Herefordshire Council, said: “We know that summer is a very busy time of year for everyone but we’d ask residents to take just a few minutes to respond to the forms. This year it is quicker and easier than ever to do – you can reply online, by phone, text or post.
“It’s really important that everyone who is entitled to vote is able to and checking your details on the household enquiry form is the easiest way to find out if you are already registered. If you’re not registered to vote at your current address, you will still need to complete and return the form, then visit the Herefordshire Council website for information on how to register to vote.”
Research by the independent Electoral Commission indicates that only 40% of recent home movers are likely to be registered at an address, compared to 94% of people who have been at their property for more than 16 years.
Further information about the ‘annual canvass’ and registering to vote can be found at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/elections