THE WAY WE REGISTER TO VOTE IS CHANGING

The biggest change to the electoral registration system in nearly 100 years is taking place this year and all residents will receive a letter over the next few weeks explaining that a new, more secure, system of Individual Electoral Registration is being introduced.

It will replace the old Victorian system where the ‘head of household’ registered everyone living in a property. Now, each individual will be responsible for registering themselves.

More than 200,000 residents will automatically move onto the new register. However, over 20,000 will need to take action and provide some additional information to be registered; which they will be able to do for the first time, quickly and easily online.

Eamonn Boylan, Stockport Council’s Chief Executive and Electoral Registration Officer, said:

“Residents will receive a letter at the end of July that will explain the change to the electoral registration system. Look out for the letter as it will tell you if you have been automatically transferred to the new register or not. If your registration has transferred automatically you need take no action.

“For all sorts of reasons, some people have not been matched against government records and therefore cannot be transferred automatically to the new register. It’s really important that you respond to the letter if it asks you to take action. If you aren’t registered to vote, you won’t be able to have a say at future elections. Being on the register is also proof of your identity and is often used by credit reference agencies and mortgage companies. Your letter will tell you exactly what you need to do so you don’t miss out.”

Residents not currently registered can now register to vote online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote with your National Insurance Number.

To keep up-to-date with changes to voter registration in Stockport visit www.stockport.gov.uk/registertovote or follow us on Twitter @StockportMBC #yourvotematters