Annual Household Canvass
We have a responsibility in maintaining an accurate electoral register and the annual canvass is an important part of this. To achieve this we need to know who is eligible to register to vote within a household.
Don’t ignore it!
There has been a recent change to the way we carry out the canvass due to Canvass reform. Full details can be found on the Electoral Commission website.
There are several types of form which are being sent out.
Follow the instructions provided and remember the best way to return the form is online as this saves us time and money.
Use our form and you will need the security code printed on the form.
Did you know that being registered correctly means you can vote in elections and may improve your credit rating? Providing us with the information that we need to contact anyone who is eligible to register to vote means we can give them further information to individually register. Visit our registering to vote page for more information.
Who in the household is responsible for replying?
The form is addressed to 'The Occupier/Resident' and everyone living at the property is jointly responsible for checking the form. Only one person in the house has to reply, providing they have checked the details with each person listed.
Who needs to be included on the form?
You need to include the name and nationality of anyone who lives at the address over the age of 16. If there are no eligible residents at the property and your form requires a response please tick or select the relevant section.
I have confirmed changes in my property, what happens next?
If you have told us about changes on your canvass letter our Electoral Services Team will undertake the following:
- send a review letter to anyone who no longer lives at the property to confirm they no longer live at the address
- send an invitation to register to anyone who has been added to the form. People added to the form can also apply on the register to vote website
Please note: adding a new resident to the canvass form will not automatically register them to be able to vote in elections.
- send a postal/proxy vote application form to anyone who requests one
- send a letter to anyone who wishes to change their opt-out status on the electoral register (Hyperlink to Registering to vote/what is the electoral register)
I have received a form naming previous occupants, what should I do?
If you have received a form and the previous residents are named or the names on the form are incorrect you can visit the household response website to make amendments. This option saves us time and money.
Alternatively amend the form and return it. You need to cross through the names of the people no longer resident at the property and then fill in the required information for all new residents at the address who are 16 and over.
Do new residents added to a form need to take any further action?
Yes, new residents will need to apply on the register to vote website. The canvass form is not a means of registering on the electoral roll.
If residents added to a form do not register online, we will send out an invitation to register form through the post.
Do I have to supply my contact number and email address?
You are not required to supply your contact details but it will help us to contact you should there be any issues with your form.
Contact details can only be used for the registration process and will not be shared unless there is supporting evidence/legislation to allow this. We follow strict GDPR rules to protect your information. You can view our data protection pages for more information.
What happens if I do not complete the form?
Responding online as soon as possible saves us time and money. We would advise all residents to respond early to avoid further communication.
If a response is required and you do not return the canvass form, you will receive a visit from one of our canvassers who will complete the form with you. If no response is received at the doorstep, a further reminder form will be sent in mid October 2022.
Failure to respond increases the risk of being removed from the register and may affect your credit score.
A member of the household has died, what should I do?
Contact the Electoral Services Team with the name and address of the person. Please include your name and address so that the register can be updated.
What happens if I am thinking of moving?
We would advise any residents to respond even if they are due to move. Once you move address then you need to register on the register to vote website. Each eligible person that moves needs to complete the application form.
What do I do if the address on the form is not correct?
If the form has been delivered to the wrong address please email us so that we can send out the correct forms to the correct address.
If there is a difference in the address or postcode on the form to your property address please email us with the details or return the form in the post with the corrections. We will check with the street name and numbering department if it’s possible to amend your address or postcode. Providing your contact details will allow us to notify you if the changes can be made or advise you of further action required.