RESIDENTS in Stratford district are being urged not to risk losing their right to vote.
Stratford District Council (SDC) is issuing its annual reminder for people to check their electoral registration details or risk losing the chance to vote on decisions that affect them.
With elections taking place in the district in May 2023, this is the opportunity, say council chiefs, for residents to make sure they can take part.
The annual canvass allows SDC to keep the electoral register up-to-date, to identify who risks losing their voice at elections, and to encourage them to register before it’s too late.
David Buckland, SDC Electoral Registration Officer, said: “Keep an eye out for updates from the district council. The annual canvass is our way of making sure that the information on the electoral register for every address is accurate. To make sure you don’t lose your say at the next election, look out for instructions from us.
“If you don’t hear from the council, you might not be on the register. If you want to register, the easiest way is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote”.
Recent home movers in particular are urged to check their details. Electoral Commission research has found that recent home movers are less likely to be registered than those who have lived at the same address for a long time. In Great Britain, 92 per cent of those who have lived in their home for 16 years will be registered, compared with 36 per cent of people who have lived at an address for less than a year.
Melanie Davidson, Electoral Commission spokesperson, said:
“It’s really important that everyone who is eligible to vote is able to do so. We urge people to look out for updates from their local council on this year’s canvass. The council may contact residents by post or email.
“If you are not registered to vote, make sure you provide the necessary information to your local council when asked and register to vote online”.
Residents with questions about their registration status can contact their local council’s electoral services team at [email protected]
