Annual canvass continues

The next phase of the annual canvass gets underway this week, with around 58,000 letters being sent to Wiltshire households, with people being encouraged to respond electronically.

Each year Wiltshire Council asks all residents to complete the annual canvass to check who is eligible to register to vote, and this year it's being done a little differently.

It's part of the Electoral Registration Officer's (ERO) legal requirement to conduct an annual canvass to ensure the electoral register is accurate and complete.

Some residents have already been contacted via email and were asked to confirm the details for their household, and of the responses received, 95% were done electronically.

Wiltshire Council encourages all residents respond to the annual canvass electronically if they can. It's more convenient for the resident and saves the council money and time.

Wiltshire Council or the Electoral Commission will never ask people for their bank details.

Last year, 200,571 responses were received during the annual canvass.

Terence Herbert, Wiltshire Council Chief Executive and Electoral Registration Officer, said: "We've had a good response to the canvass so far and we thank people for responding so promptly.

" We ask that people don't ignore the form we've put in the post as it's really important details are up to date on the electoral register, and helps residents have a voice in elections, referendums and other democratic votes.

"If people can respond electronically we'd be really grateful as it's not only more convenient for them, but saves us vital money."

More details, including FAQs can be found online.