Don't lose your right to vote
Don’t lose your voice on matters that affect you”, warns Reigate & Banstead Borough Council as it urges residents to check and respond to important voter registration information that is dropping through letterboxes this week.
With borough council elections for all seats in all electoral wards taking place in May 2019, this is an important opportunity for residents to make sure they can take part.
The Household Enquiry Form ensures that the council can keep the electoral register up to date and identify residents who are not registered to vote so that they can be encouraged to do so and take part in future elections and referendums.
John Jory, Electoral Registration Officer at Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, said: “It’s important that residents check and respond to the form as soon as possible, so we can make sure we have the right details on the electoral register for every address in the borough. The easiest way is online at www.householdresponse.com/reigate.
“If your name is not on the form, you’re not currently registered to vote. To make sure you are able to have your say at elections and referendums you will need to register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote, or we’ll send you information about how to do this when you reply. In any case, you will still need to respond.
“Being registered to vote also helps to keep your credit rating up to date."
People who have moved address recently are particularly encouraged to keep an eye out for the form and check the details. Research by the independent Electoral Commission indicates that recent home movers are far less likely to be registered than those that have lived at the same address for a long time. Across Great Britain, 94% of people who have been at their property for more than sixteen years will be registered, compared to 40% 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; checking the form that will arrive through the post is one of the easiest ways to find out if you are already registered. There’s lots of helpful information about registering to vote on our website www.yourvotematters.co.uk.”
Residents who still have questions can check the council’s website: www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk, email elreg@reigate-banstead.gov.uk or call the Elections helpline on 01737 276794.
