Over 10,000 West Norfolk people who choose to vote by post or proxy will be asked to update their details in the next 6 weeks.
From 31 January anyone who made an application to vote by post or proxy 5 or more years ago will be asked to supply a new signature and to confirm their date of birth. The update of signatures (5 years old and over) is a legal requirement.
Mary Colangelo, Electoral Services Manager, explained: “People who do not vote in person are asked to provide a sample of their signature and date of birth when they apply for a postal or proxy vote. We hold these details on file. When the ballot papers are returned they are checked against the details we hold. This is required by law to help prevent electoral fraud.
“It is important that the signatures we hold are an accurate reflection of the person’s current signature. Over time our handwriting changes so the 5-year check is designed to pick up these changes.”
Letters will be sent to all individuals who are required to refresh their signatures. People should complete the form on the reverse of the letter and return it, in the prepaid envelope, to the borough council.
Completed forms must be received by 12 March or people will lose their postal/proxy votes and will need to re-apply for them.
Anyone who needs help to complete the form or who is unable to provide a signature is asked to contact Electoral Services on 01553 616773. The team can also be reached by email: register.electors@west-norfolk.gcsx.gov.uk.
