Published on 2nd July 2012
Residents across Cheltenham are now receiving their annual voter registration forms.
It’s important that local residents check their details are all up to date as this could be the difference between having their say and losing their voice on important issues.
Cheltenham Borough Council is currently sending forms to households to compile the electoral register which will be used for all forthcoming elections. People need to amend any details on the form and send it back to the council, or if the details on the form are correct, they can confirm their registration by responding by Freephone, text or internet. People will need to have their voter registration form to hand, as it includes their security codes and instructions.
Andrew North, the council’s chief executive and returning officer said: “Registering to vote is quick and easy. All people need to do is update the annual canvass form with the details of everyone in their household who is eligible to vote and return the form to us as soon as possible. If the details are correct, residents still need to confirm this and there are a range of different ways that this can be done, including by text.
“Some people may not realise that, by law, they have to register every year - by completing the annual canvass form that comes through their door. If they do not respond to the annual canvass request or provide false information on the form, they may be liable to a fine of £1,000. However, whether an individual then decides to vote or not is their choice.
“More and more the Register of Electors is being used to confirm an individual's address, especially if they are applying for credit such as a mortgage, personal loan or even a mobile telephone. If they are not registered they will probably be refused credit as well as losing their right to have their say via the ballot box.”
Local residents are being asked to respond to their Voter Registration form by 22 August. If they are not received by this date a canvasser will make a personal visit. For more information contact the elections team on 01242 264132 or visit.
For press enquiries contact: Kelly Carter, communications officer, telephone 01242 264154 or email: kelly.carter@cheltenham.gov.uk
Notes to editor
1. The annual canvass takes place every year. An annual canvass form will be sent to every property in Cheltenham. A revised electoral register will be published on 16 October 2012.
2. You can only vote if your name appears in the register of electors and you are aged 18 or over on polling day.
3. Special provisions to register also apply to members of the UK armed forces serving abroad to allow them to vote. For more information, go to www.aboutmyvote.co.uk
4. You must, by law, return the form each year. If you do not respond to the annual canvass request or provide false information on the form, you may be liable to a fine of £1,000.
Cheltenham Borough Council is currently sending forms to households to compile the electoral register which will be used for all forthcoming elections. People need to amend any details on the form and send it back to the council, or if the details on the form are correct, they can confirm their registration by responding by Freephone, text or internet. People will need to have their voter registration form to hand, as it includes their security codes and instructions.
Andrew North, the council’s chief executive and returning officer said: “Registering to vote is quick and easy. All people need to do is update the annual canvass form with the details of everyone in their household who is eligible to vote and return the form to us as soon as possible. If the details are correct, residents still need to confirm this and there are a range of different ways that this can be done, including by text.
“Some people may not realise that, by law, they have to register every year - by completing the annual canvass form that comes through their door. If they do not respond to the annual canvass request or provide false information on the form, they may be liable to a fine of £1,000. However, whether an individual then decides to vote or not is their choice.
“More and more the Register of Electors is being used to confirm an individual's address, especially if they are applying for credit such as a mortgage, personal loan or even a mobile telephone. If they are not registered they will probably be refused credit as well as losing their right to have their say via the ballot box.”
Local residents are being asked to respond to their Voter Registration form by 22 August. If they are not received by this date a canvasser will make a personal visit. For more information contact the elections team on 01242 264132 or visit.
For press enquiries contact: Kelly Carter, communications officer, telephone 01242 264154 or email: kelly.carter@cheltenham.gov.uk
Notes to editor
1. The annual canvass takes place every year. An annual canvass form will be sent to every property in Cheltenham. A revised electoral register will be published on 16 October 2012.
2. You can only vote if your name appears in the register of electors and you are aged 18 or over on polling day.
3. Special provisions to register also apply to members of the UK armed forces serving abroad to allow them to vote. For more information, go to www.aboutmyvote.co.uk
4. You must, by law, return the form each year. If you do not respond to the annual canvass request or provide false information on the form, you may be liable to a fine of £1,000.
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