Local and national elections may be delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, but that isn’t stopping some local residents from exercising their democratic right.
Around a hundred people in our area register a week in the lockdown, meaning that they will be able to vote in the next elections.
Registering to vote only takes 5 minutes and can be done easily online. There are lots of other benefits to registering – being on the electoral roll can improve your credit score and make it easier to apply for a mortgage or loan.
In England, if you’re aged 16 or above and are either a British or EU citizen with a permanent address, or a Commonwealth citizen who has permission to enter or stay in the UK, or who does not need permission, then you can register to vote in UK elections. However, you cannot vote until you are 18.
If you are already on the electoral register, you don’t need to register again unless your details (such as your name and address) have changed.
In the coming weeks the Council will carry out its annual canvass. This involves writing to every home in the area to confirm the details of those living at the address against the electoral roll. When local residents receive the letter, they should carefully check the details and follow the instructions.
If you are not registered to vote or your details have changed, you can register for free at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. You will need your national insurance number and date of birth to register.
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