Published Friday, 18th August 2023
Reigate & Banstead residents are being urged to check their electoral registration details or risk losing their chance to vote on decisions that affect them.
The annual canvass allows Reigate & Banstead Borough 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.
With borough and Police and Crime Commissioner elections, and potentially a parliamentary election, taking place in 2024, this is an important opportunity to make sure you can take part.
Keeping the electoral register up to date
Mari Roberts-Wood, Electoral Registration Officer at Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, said: “Please keep an eye out for important communications from us, which could be by email, text message or post. The annual canvass is our way of making sure that the information on the electoral register for every address is accurate and up to date. To make sure you don’t lose your say at upcoming elections, simply follow the instructions sent to you.
“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.”
Recently moved house?
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 will be registered, compared with 36% of people who have lived at an address for less than a year.
Being registered for Council Tax does not mean you are registered to vote. It can also be harder to get credit if you’re not registered as it can affect your credit rating.
Are you registered to vote?
Melanie Davidson, Head of Support and Improvement at the Electoral Commission, said: “It’s really important that everyone who is eligible to vote is able to do so. We urge people to check for updates from their local council on this year’s canvass.
“If you are not registered to vote, make sure you provide the necessary information to your local council when asked and register to vote online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.”
More information
See the Annual Canvass page for more information.
Residents who still have questions can email elreg@reigate-banstead.gov.uk or call the elections helpline on 01737 276794.
Information on registering to vote is available on the Electoral Commission website.