HOUSEHOLDS in Stockton Borough will soon be receiving an important form asking residents to check whether the current voter registration details for their address are correct. Residents who are not registered are encouraged to do so.
The information collected through this Voter Registration Canvass is vital as it will be used to compile a new Electoral (voter) Register, ready for next May’s Police and Crime Commissioner election. It is also an ideal opportunity for anyone who would find it more convenient to vote by post, to request a postal vote.
If all the details on the form are still the same, this can be confirmed in under a minute using the internet, text or freephone services explained on the form.
Information that needs updating can be done quickly and easily online by using the security code on the form. Those without internet access should just amend the form and return it in the envelope provided.
Any young people who may have turned 16 recently, should have their names and dates of birth added, as they cannot vote until they are 18, but they can go on to the register.
To save the cost of reprinting forms and sending canvassers to collect the information, Stockton Council is urging residents to respond to the forms straight away.
Councillor Bob Cook, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: “Anyone that wants to vote must be registered. To make sure you are able to have your say at the elections next year, simply check the form when it arrived and return it as promptly as possible.
“If you’re not currently registered, we’ll send you information explaining how to do this or you can just go online to apply to register at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.”
It’s particularly important that anyone who has moved address recently looks out for the form and checks whether they are registered.
Any residents who have any questions can contact the Democratic Services team at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council on 01642 526196.