Waverley Borough Council residents are being urged to check their electoral registration details or risk losing their chance to vote on decisions that affect them.
With elections taking place in Waverley in May 2023, this is an opportunity for residents to make sure they can take part. The annual canvass allows Waverley Borough Council to keep the electoral register up to date, to identify who risks losing their voice at elections, and to encourage them to register before it’s too late.
Every household will be contacted before October asking if your household's details on the electoral register are correct. All you need to do is follow the instructions, and you'll be ready to have your say in upcoming elections.
Every household will receive a letter or email. Please follow the instructions and respond if necessary. Letters will be sent out soon however, don’t worry if you aren’t contacted until September.
Tom Horwood, Chief Executive and Electoral Registration Officer at Waverley Borough Council, said:
“We have full borough and parish council elections in May 2023. It is very important that the electoral register is up-to-date for these and any other elections that take place. If it is not correct, you might lose your ability to vote.
“When you receive an electronic message or paper form from us, please check the information. It takes only a few minutes. A quick response will help us to keep the register accurate and will avoid any further letters from us.”
Recent home movers in particular are urged to check their details. Electoral Commission research has found that recent home movers are less likely to be registered than those who have lived at the same address for a long time. In Great Britain, 92% of those who have lived in their home for 16 years will be registered, compared with 36% of people who have lived at an address for less than a year.
To make sure you don’t lose your say at the next election, look out for instructions from us. If you want to register, the easiest way is online at: Waverley Borough Council - Register to vote.
Residents with questions about their registration status can contact Waverley’s electoral services team at electoral.services@waverley.gov.uk or on 01483 523116.