Electoral Register
What is the new canvass?
Every year we needed to carry out an annual canvass to make sure the Electoral Register is correct. In 2020 the annual canvass has changed under The Representation of the People (Annual Canvass) (Amendment) Regulations 2019.
How does the new canvass work?
Step 1: Data Matching
The Electoral Register is securely sent to the Department of Working Pensions (DWP). The DWP check names and addresses from the register against National Insurance details. Local data (Council Tax records) can be used to as a matching exercise too.
If all the registered people at a property match with DWP or local data, the property will go to Route 1 canvass. If there are any people at a property that don't match, the property will go to Route 2 canvass.
Step 2: Routes of Communication
Route 1
We will send a form to your property in August. If the elector details on the form are correct, you don't need to do anything. You can add or remove someone from your property. Go to elecreg.co.uk and use the security codes on the form to log in and complete that change,
Route 2
We will send a form to the property. The form will have elector details listed on it if we are aware of registered electors. We will send a self form if we believe the the property is empty or we hold no details.
We need a response from this form even if there are no changes to report.
You can add or remove someone's name from the property. Go to the website address on the form and use the security codes to log in and complete that change.
If you have no changes, you can also respond by calling 0808 284 1585 or by text 07786 209 385 for the automated telephone service. Or you can post the form to: Electoral Registration Officer, Town Hall, Ilkeston Derbyshire DE7 5RP.
If we do not receive a response, we send we will make every attempt to get a response from you. This may be via reminder forms, calling you or a visit to your property.
ITR (Invitations to Register) forms
We will send you an ITR form to complete if you need to register. This forms helps us to confirm a person's identity so we can add them to the electoral register.
You can help us save money by registering online as soon as possible.
This is also the quickest and safest way to send us your personal information.
We will send a reminder to anyone who does not respond to an ITR form. If you have not registered, a canvasser might visit your home to collect your information.
There are two registers. Why?
Using information received from the public, registration officers keep two registers – the electoral register and the open register (also known as the edited register).
The Open Register
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.
You can find more information about both registers and how they may be used on the government website.
Your personal information
We will only use the information you give us for electoral purposes. We will look after personal information securely and we will follow the Data Protection Act 2018. We will not give personal information about you and the other people in your household to anyone else or another organisation unless we have to by law.
It is a legal requirement to register. You will not be able to vote unless your name is included in the Register of Electors. Even if you do not intend to vote, you should return the registration form, including details of everyone living at the property who is eligible to vote. The register is also used for many things other than elections. Credit Reference companies use the register to verify your identity when you apply for credit, and if you name does not appear on the register, you could be turned down for a mortgage, bank account, loan, credit card, mobile phone and other forms of credit.
The electoral register
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 such as fraud.
• calling people for jury service.
• checking credit applications.
Rolling registration
If you move house during the year you can apply to be added to the electoral register at your new address through the rolling registration process. Applications for rolling registration can be made monthly and are subject to any objections being received.
There is space on the form to state your previous address. It is important to inform us of your previous address so that the information currently held on the electoral register can be altered.
It is important that you re-register as soon as possible after you move house so that when an election is called, you will be able to vote and you are on the register at the correct address for credit reference purposes.
You can register on gov.uk or you can contact Electoral Services on 0115 9071190 for an application form to be posted to you.