Local residents encouraged to make sure they’re on the register of electors

Cannock Chase Council is encouraging residents in the District to make sure they have the right to vote, after a number fail to respond to the annual canvass.

In July this year, as part of Cannock Chase Council’s annual voter registration canvass, all households in the District received a form asking residents to check whether the information held for those living at the address was correct.  Those who didn’t respond will have also been sent reminders and/or been visited by a canvasser.  However, there are a still a number outstanding.

The aim of the canvass is to ensure that the electoral register is up to date and to identify any residents who are not currently registered so that they can be encouraged to do so.

With District Council and Police and Crime Commissioner elections taking place in May 2016, this is an opportunity for residents to make sure that they will easily be able to take part.  Failure to respond may result in removal from the register which will affect an individual’s ability to get credit as well as losing the right to vote.

Tony McGovern, Managing Director and Electoral Registration Officer at Cannock Chase Council, said “Anyone that wants to vote must be registered.  To make sure you are able to have your say at the elections next year, simply check the form and return it as promptly as possible.  It’s really easy, you can do this on-line; by telephone; or by returning the form in the post.

If you’re not currently registered, we’ll send you information explaining how to do this or you can just go online to apply to register at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote .

It’s particularly important that anyone who has moved address in the last year looks out for the form and checks as soon as possible whether they are registered at their new address.  This applies equally to renters and home owners.”

Any residents who haven’t had a form or have any questions can contact the Electoral Services team at: Telephone 01543 464437 or 01543 464754 e-mail: electionsoffice@cannockchasedc.gov.uk