Stockport Council employees will be visiting the homes of residents who have not returned their electoral registration forms to ensure they do not lose their right to vote.
The forms were posted to homes across the borough in October, with reminders being sent to many households in November.
Thousands of households have already ensured they are registered to vote but there are still some which have not yet acted – anyone who does not complete their registration form could lose their right to vote in any election or referendum held next year, including the local elections in May 2014.
All canvassers visiting people’s homes as part of this process will be carrying ID and residents should always ask to see this before giving out any details.
Eamonn Boylan, Stockport Council’s Chief Executive and Electoral Registration Officer, said:
“From 5th December we will start knocking on people’s doors to ask for details of everyone living at the property who is entitled to vote and to help them complete the form if needed. The register can become inaccurate over time as people move in and out of homes and we need this information to compile a complete and accurate electoral register. We don’t want anyone to miss out on the opportunity to vote.”
Householders must complete an electoral registration form even if there has been no change to their details since last year. If there are no changes, this can be done by phone, internet, text or post. If there is any change to who is living at the property, or if people have just moved into a property, the form must be returned by post or given to the canvasser who knocks on the door.
Using the freephone, internet or text is quick and easy and can save people time.
Paying Council Tax does not mean that you are automatically included in the register of electors. People must return the canvass form or respond by phone, internet or text.
Residents who fail to respond, will not only be ineligible to vote, but it may affect their credit rating as the register of electors is also used by Credit Reference companies to check residence before they can receive a mortgage, open a bank account or start a mobile phone contract. People could also be fined up to £1,000 for refusing to return the form.
For more information visit www.stockport.gov.uk/registertovote
People who haven’t received a form should contact the Council’s dedicated elections line on 0161 217 6026.