Have Your Say

Look out for your voter registration details from Buckinghamshire Council
01 July 2020 Buckinghamshire residents are being encouraged to make sure their electoral registration details are up to date in the annual canvass. With the first elections for Buckinghamshire Council taking place in May 2021, the canvass is an important opportunity for residents to ensure they will be able to take part and vote. The annual canvass means Buckinghamshire 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. Ian Hunt, Interim Head of Democratic and Electoral Services at Buckinghamshire Council, said: “It’s important that residents keep an eye out for messages so we can make sure we have the right details on the electoral register for every address in the county.

To make sure you are able to have your say at the elections taking place next year, simply follow the instructions as provided. It is really quick to confirm your registration details. “If you’re not currently registered, your name will not appear in the messages we send. The easiest way to register is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote, otherwise, you will simply need to confirm or amend the details following the respond method on your communication. “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.” The council will be contacting residents by post or email between July and August.

Further information, including contact details, can be found at https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/your-council/council-and-democracy/elections-and-voting/confirm-your-registered-voting-details/ ends

Elections are taking place in Buckinghamshire in May 2021 The Representation of the People Act 1983 places a duty on Electoral Registration Officers to maintain the electoral register for their area and to conduct an annual canvass of all residential properties. The electoral register lists the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote in public elections. The register is used for electoral purposes, such as making sure only eligible people can vote. It is also used for other limited purposes specified in law, such as detecting crime (e.g. fraud), calling people for jury service or checking credit applications. The open register is an extract of the electoral register, but is not used for elections. It can be bought by any person, company or organisation. For example, it is used by businesses and charities to confirm name and address details. Your name and address will be included in the open register unless you ask for them to be removed. Removing your details from the open register does not affect your right to vote. To be eligible to register to vote a person must be: Aged 16 or over (a person may register to vote at 16, but may not vote until they are 18) A British or qualifying Commonwealth citizen who has leave to enter and remain in the UK or does not require such leave. A citizen of the Republic of Ireland or other European Union (EU) member state. British citizens, Irish citizens and qualifying citizens of Commonwealth countries (including Cyprus and Malta) can vote in local government elections and Police and Crime Commissioner elections. To date, the UK Government has not made changes to the eligibility of EU citizens, meaning at present they too can vote in these elections.

Full details of the Electoral Commission’s research on the electoral registers can be found on its website.