Wiltshire Council reminding residents to help keep the electoral register up to date

Wiltshire Council is continuing with the annual process of ensuring the county's electoral register is up-to-date by contacting Wiltshire residents who have not yet responded to the annual canvass.

The Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) has a legal requirement to conduct a yearly canvass to ensure the electoral register is accurate and complete. The process takes place between July and November each year.

Each household will receive at least one form of canvass communication (email, letter, or form) asking for confirmation of who lives at the address, to check who is eligible to register to vote.

Next week, forms will be posted to residents who have not already responded to the annual canvass process. There will be clear instructions about the process on every correspondence sent as part of the canvass if a response or change is required.

Households that require a person to be added or removed can update details either using the online system or by completing and returning the form. If no changes are required responses can be made by text, phone, online or by returning the form.

Wiltshire Council encourages all residents to respond to the annual canvass electronically if they can - it is more convenient for residents and saves the council money and time.

As part of this process, Wiltshire Council will never ask people for their bank details.

Terence Herbert, Wiltshire Council Chief Executive and Returning Officer, said: People are legally obliged to take part in the annual canvass process, and I would encourage residents to confirm their details as soon as possible. If you receive a form, please follow the clear instructions to confirm or update your details.

We want to encourage residents to respond to the canvass electronically if they can. By responding online, not only is it is quicker and easier, but it also saves the council money, which means we can invest more in vital services.

I would also like to take the opportunity to remind people that photo ID is now required to vote at polling stations whenever they vote. More information about the photo ID requirement, acceptable forms of photo ID and how to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate can be found at www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/voter-id (opens new window).

People who are not correctly registered, could lose their eligibility to vote in any future local or general elections, therefore it's crucial that all details we hold are correct.

More details, including FAQs can be found at Elections.