Residents in Mansfield district are being urged to look out for their voter registration details which they will receive by post, email or text.
The voter registration details are being sent by Mansfield District Council as part of the annual canvass. This ensures that the 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.
The council's Electoral Services team has sent 18,000 emails and texts to residents today (Monday 27 July) and 12,500 letters are due to land on doormats across the district later this week. Residents are asked to check the information they receive and follow the instructions provided.
This provides an important opportunity for residents to make sure they can take part in future elections and not lose their voice on decisions that affect them by making sure their electoral registration details are up to date.
The next elections that are due to take place in the Mansfield District are the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner elections and Nottinghamshire County Council elections in May 2021.
Hayley Barsby, the Electoral Registration Officer at Mansfield District Council, said: “It’s important that residents keep an eye out for messages from Mansfield District Council, so we can make sure we have the right details on the electoral register for every address in the Mansfield district area. To make sure you are able to have your say at future elections simply follow the instructions provided.
“If you’re not currently registered, your name will not appear in the messages we send. If you want to register, the easiest way is online (link to government website opens in new window) or we’ll send you information explaining how to do this in the post.
“This year’s canvass, which we have to carry out by law, is taking place during a challenging public health situation. We are working to ensure that we take account of public health guidelines, including the continued importance of social distancing.”
People who have moved recently are particularly encouraged to look out for the voter registration messages 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 Great Britain, 92% of people who have been at their property for more than 16 years will be registered, compared to 36% of people who have lived at an address for less than one year.
Melanie Davidson, Head of Support and Improvement at the Electoral Commission, said: “It’s really important that everyone who is entitled to vote is able to do so. Making sure you provide the necessary information to your local authority when it is needed will ensure the process runs smoothly. This is particularly helpful in the current public health situation, as it will help avoid the need for home visits from canvassers.
“There’s lots of helpful information about registering to vote on our website (link to Electoral Commission website opens in new window).”
Any residents who have any questions can email their local registration team (link to email app opens in new window).