Local residents are being warned not to lose their voice on decisions that affect them by making sure their electoral registration details are up to date.

With elections for Surrey County Council and the Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner both taking place in May 2021, this is an important opportunity for residents to make sure they can take part.

The annual canvass ensures that Epsom & Ewell Borough Council can keep the electoral register up to date, identifying any residents who are not registered so that they can be encouraged to do so . This year the format of the canvass is changing and we will be contacting residents by email, post and phone.

Councillor Eber Kington, Chairman of the Strategy & Resources Committee said: “Please do not lose your right to vote. It’s important that residents respond to our canvas communications, so we can make sure we have the right details on the electoral register for every address in Epsom and Ewell. To make sure you are able to have your say at the elections taking place next year, simply follow the instructions provided. 

“If you’re not currently registered and need to register, the easiest way is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote, or we can send you information explaining how to do this in the post if this is easier for you.

“This year’s canvass, which we have to carry out by law, is taking place during a challenging public health situation. We are working to ensure that we take account of public health guidelines, including the continued importance of social distancing.”

People who have moved recently are particularly encouraged to look out for the voter registration messages and check the details. Research by the Electoral Commission indicates that recent home movers are far less likely to be registered than those who have lived at the same address for a long time. Across Great Britain, 92% of people who have been at their property for more than sixteen years will be registered, compared to 36% of people who have lived at an address for less than one year.

Melanie Davidson, Head of Support and Improvement at the Electoral Commission, said: “It’s really important that everyone who is entitled to vote is able to do so. Making sure you provide the necessary information to your local authority when it is needed will ensure the process runs smoothly. This is particularly helpful in the current public health situation, as it will help avoid the need for home visits from canvassers.

“There’s lots of helpful information about registering to vote on our website www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter .”

Any residents who have any questions can contact the local registration team at electoralservices@epsom-ewell.gov.uk

Notes

1. Elections are taking place for Surrey County Council and Surrey Police & Crime Commissioner in May 2021
2. The Representation of the People Act 1983 places a duty on Electoral Registration Officers to maintain the electoral register for their area and to conduct an annual canvass of all residential properties.
3. The electoral register lists the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote in public elections. The register is used for electoral purposes, such as making sure only eligible people can vote. It is also used for other limited purposes specified in law, such as detecting crime (e.g. fraud), calling people for jury service or checking credit applications.
4. The open register is an extract of the electoral register, but is not used for elections. It can be bought by any person, company or organisation. For example, it is used by businesses and charities to confirm name and address details. Your name and address will be included in the open register unless you ask for them to be removed. Removing your details from the open register does not affect your right to vote.
5. To be eligible to register to vote a person must be:

• Aged 16 or over (a person may register to vote at 16, but may not vote until they are 18)
• A British or qualifying Commonwealth citizen who has leave to enter and remain in the UK or does not require such leave
• A citizen of the Republic of Ireland or other European Union (EU) member state.

1. British citizens, Irish citizens and qualifying citizens of Commonwealth countries (including Cyprus and Malta) can vote in local government elections and Police and Crime Commissioner elections. To date, the UK Government has not made changes to the eligibility of EU citizens, meaning at present they too can vote in these elections.
2. Full details of the Electoral Commission’s research on the electoral registers can be found on its website.