Islanders are being urged to check their electoral registration details or risk losing their chance to vote on decisions that affect them.
Residents will shortly receive a letter from the council, asking them to confirm that the names of people listed as eligible to vote in their household are correct.
Ensure you don’t lose your voice
Being on the electoral register means that you don’t lose your voice, and can vote in future elections – plus it can also help with your credit rating.
The annual canvass ensures that the Isle of Wight Council can keep the electoral register up to date, identifying any residents who are not registered so that they can be encouraged to do so.
Shand:
Claire Shand, the council’s electoral registration officer, said,
“It’s important that residents keep an eye out for letters from us which start arriving from the 24th July onwards, so we can make sure we have the right details on the electoral register for every address on the Island.
“To make sure you are able to have your say at any future elections, simply follow the instructions in your letter. It’s very quick and easy.
“If you’re not currently registered, your name will not appear in the letters or forms we send. If you want to register, the easiest way is online, or we’ll send you information explaining how to do this in the post. Once registered, they would then be able take part in any future elections.”
Recently moved home?
People who have recently moved are particularly encouraged to look out for the voter letter from the council, and check the details.
Research by the Electoral Commission indicates that recent home movers are far less likely to be registered than those who have lived at the same address for a long time.
Across Britain, 92 per cent of people who have been at their property for more than 16 years will be registered, compared to 36 per cent of people who have lived at an address for less than a year.
Get in touch
Any residents who have questions can contact the council’s electoral registration team on the Website or via [email protected]
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
