This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
From 19 July, all residents on the Isle of Wight will receive a letter through the post telling them about the biggest change to the electoral registration system in nearly 100 years.
The Isle of Wight Council will write to all 113,500 registered electors and to properties where no one is currently registered.
More secure system of electoral registration
The letter will explain that a new, more secure, system of individual electoral registration is being introduced to replace the old Victorian system where the “head of household” registered everyone living in a property. Now, each individual will be responsible for registering themselves.
The majority of Island residents will automatically move onto the new electoral register. However, some will need to take action to join or remain on it, which they will now also be able to do for the first time by registering quickly and easily online.
Look out for letter
Davina Fiore, Isle of Wight Council electoral registration officer, said:
“Island residents will receive a letter from 19 July that will explain the change to the electoral registration system. Look out for the letter as it will tell you if you have been automatically transferred to the new register or not.
“If you have not been transferred, you will need to provide some additional information and the letter will tell you exactly what you need to do. All residents will be able to provide this information online if they so wish.”
Replacing the outdated Victorian concept
Samantha Mills, head of campaigns at the Electoral Commission, said:
“This summer the Electoral Commission will launch a major advertising campaign that will raise awareness of the change to Individual Electoral Registration.
“We welcome this change, which will lead to a more secure register and replace the outdated Victorian concept that a single ‘head of household’ is responsible for registering everyone.”
For more information visit www.gov.uk/yourvotematters.
If you do not receive a letter contact the Isle of Wight Council elections team on 01983 823380; [email protected]; Electoral Services, Isle of Wight Council, County Hall, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1UD.
Image: adamkr under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license
