West Suffolk’s annual electoral canvass begins

Residents across West Suffolk are being encouraged to check that their electoral registration details are accurate as the council launches its annual canvass.

West Suffolk Council is responsible for voter registration and administers all elections and referendums in the district.

The annual canvass, which is a legal requirement, allows the council 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.

Over the coming weeks, residents will be contacted by the council by email, post and text messages, where this information has been supplied by electors.

Households that do not respond may also receive a follow-up visit from a canvasser.

Diane Hind, the portfolio holder for Resources at the council, said: “The annual canvass plays an important role in maintaining an accurate electoral register and ensuring residents can exercise their right to vote.

“I encourage all households to look for communications from the council and check that the information we hold is correct.

“Responding is quick and secure, and by providing the necessary information you can have your say in upcoming elections.

“If you’re not currently registered, your name will not appear in the messages we send. If you want to register, the easiest way is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.”

To be eligible to register to vote a person must be:

• Aged 16 or over (a person may register to vote at 16, but may not vote until they are 18).
• A British, Irish or qualifying Commonwealth citizen who has leave to enter and remain in the UK or does not require such leave.
• A European Union (EU) citizen of Denmark, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, or Spain who has permission to enter and remain in the UK or does not require such permission.
• A EU citizen of any other EU country who on or before December 31, 2020, had permission to enter and remain in the UK or did not require such permission, and this has continued without a break.

Find out more on registering to vote on the Electoral Commission website: Voting and elections | Electoral Commission

Residents with questions about their electoral registration status can contact West Suffolk Council’s Electoral Services team at: elections@westsuffolk.gov.uk.

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