Electoral Register annual canvass of households
Tewkesbury Borough Council is about to start its annual canvass, and residents are urged to check their electoral registration details to avoid losing their chance to vote on decisions that affect them.
With Police and Crime Commissioner elections taking place in May 2024 and a general election having to be held no later than 28 January 2025, this is an opportunity for residents to make sure they can take part.
Residents are asked to keep an eye out for either a letter or email from the council in the next few weeks which will contain information on what they need to do to make sure that their household is fully registered. It’s really important that everyone who is eligible to vote is able to do so, and only one member of each household needs to respond on behalf of all who live there.
The annual canvass is the council’s way of making sure that the information on the electoral register for every address is accurate and up-to-date. While the register is primarily for electoral purposes, it can lawfully be used to help in detecting crime/fraud, calling people up for jury service, and by credit reference agencies when checking applications for credit (e.g. mortgages, loans and mobile phone contracts).
Residents are also being asked to respond as soon as possible. This should avoid the need for any follow-up communications (or a personal visit as a last resort), and save time, paper and money.
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% of those who have lived in their home for 16 years are likely to be registered, compared with 36% of people who have lived at an address for less than a year. Your electoral register details will not automatically be updated when you register for council tax at your new home. You will need to register separately.
The council’s communications regarding the canvass should not be confused for a scam. Emails will be sent out from elections@tewkesbury.gov.uk with the subject line of ‘Tewkesbury Borough Council’s Annual Household Canvass Communication – Action Required’; and letters will carry the council’s logo and address details, and include the heading ‘You must respond so we can check who is eligible to register to vote’.
Anyone with questions about their registration status can contact the council’s electoral services team at elections@tewkesbury.gov.uk or by calling 01684 272025.