Local residents are being reminded not to lose their voice on decisions that affect them by making sure their electoral registration details are up to date.
The annual canvass, which is run every year by the local authority responsible for elections, is currently taking place to ensure that West Oxfordshire District Council can keep the electoral register up to date and identify any residents who are not registered to vote so that they can be encouraged to do so.
Residents will be sent a letter over the next few months with clear instructions asking them to confirm their details or update them.
Giles Hughes, Electoral Registration Officer, at West Oxfordshire District Council, said:
“It’s important that residents look out for letters from us so we can make sure we have the right details on the electoral register for every address in West Oxfordshire. To make sure you are able to have your say at elections, simply follow the instructions in the letter sent to you.
“If you’re not currently registered, your name will not appear in the letter we send. If you need 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.”
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, published in 2019, 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.
Information on registering to vote is available on the Electoral Commission website and residents can register by visiting the Government website at gov.uk/register-to-vote
Any residents who have any questions can contact their local registration team by emailing elections@westoxon.gov.uk or they can visit the Council website at www.westoxon.gov.uk.