Each year the electoral registration officer is required to undertake a house to house canvass to identify all electors in the East Riding of Yorkshire Council area. This is done by sending a canvass form to every household in the East Riding. The form asks for information about who will be resident in a household on 15 October 2011. As far as possible the form is pre-printed with data based on who was resident in the property on 15 October 2010.
The details that are returned form the 2012 electoral register. Households must be included on the full register of electors, but they can opt out of being included on the ‘edited’ register. The edited register is available to the public and companies to buy. If you want to opt out of inclusion on the edited register, please mark the ‘opt out’ box on the form with a cross.
This year, in addition to being able to return forms by post, residents whose details are the same as last year (i.e. the same people live in the same house) will be able to register by telephone or internet – details will be on the canvass form which will be delivered in late August 2011.
Where a form is not returned a canvasser will visit the property to try to get a response.
Why should you return the form?
* If you are not on the register of electors you will not be able to vote in any elections
* If you are not on the register it can affect your ability to obtain credit – this may include mortgages, loans, mobile phones etc
* It is a legal requirement to complete and return the canvass form
* Registering for Council Tax is not the same as registering to vote – current legislation means you will also need to complete the canvass form to vote.
For more information, contact Electoral Services on 01482 393310/3311/3312/3313 or email electoral.services@eastriding.gov.uk
