Cornwall Council is encouraging local people to register now to make sure they can vote in 2012. Police Commissioner Elections are expected to take place in 2012 and local by-elections could also occur at short notice, so it is important to register now.
The Council is required to produce a new and accurate list of voters each year which then stays in force for the following twelve months.
Electoral registration forms were posted before the August bank holiday weekend to over 250,000 households in Cornwall to enable the new electoral register to be compiled for use in 2012.
“The new electoral register will be published on 1 December and only people who are on the register will be able to vote“ explained Denise Holwill, Cornwall’s Electoral Services Manager. “It is vital that people complete and return the form as soon as possible so their names can be included on the register and tax payers’ money can be spent most efficiently.”
The forms contain the details of all the people who are currently registered to vote at that address. If none of the details on the form have changed, the householder can either sign the form and return it in the pre paid envelope provided or register electronically by:
- Phone
- Registering online via a website
- Sending a text message
Further details, including the security code that householders need to quote, are given on the form. Registering electronically is not only the quickest and easiest method, but also helps the Council to save taxpayers money.
If any details on the form have changed, people should cross through the names of anyone who no longer lives at the address, amend any mistakes or add the names of anyone new who is eligible to vote. They then need to sign the form and return it – either in the pre paid envelope or by dropping it into any Council office or one stop shop.
Denise and her team hope that as many people as possible will complete and return their forms as soon as they receive them. If the Council receives a response by 22 September, this will prevent a reminder form being sent out. Any households who do not reply by then will be sent a reminder form at the beginning of October – which will cost the Council additional money.
In addition a team of over 100 canvassers will then visit any households who have still not registered between 21 October and 14 November to help people fill in their forms.
“People are required by law to provide the information which is asked for in the forms“ said Denise. “While most people respond quickly, we always have a number of households who do not return their forms.
“Based on last year’s response we anticipate having to send out around 80,000 reminders in October and subsequently visit around 30,000 of those homes which have not previously responded to our forms. If people look out for the forms and respond promptly then they can help to make savings which can go towards other essential services”.
Anyone who does not received their form can telephone Cornwall Council Electoral Services to request a replacement on 0300 123 1115.
