Residents of Cheshire West and Chester can ensure they have a voice in the full council elections in May 2019 by replying to the household enquiry form that are being posted through letterboxes from today (Friday 3rd August).
The annual canvass offers the perfect opportunity for residents to make sure that they can take part in the next council election, but also any upcoming general election or referendum.
Referendums, elections and by-elections can be called at any time.
Andrew Lewis, electoral registration officer at Cheshire West and Chester said: “We don’t want anyone to lose their right to vote because they didn’t have time to get on the electoral register.
“Last year’s snap election is a good reminder of this. Taking just a few minutes to complete the form will ensure you’re properly registered.”
Many residents don’t realise that it’s a legal requirement to return the household enquiry form to the council in all circumstances.
It doesn’t matter if they have lived at their home for decades or if they are looking after an empty property on behalf of someone else, the council still needs to verify who is at the address.
People who have moved house recently are particularly encouraged to keep an eye out for the form and check the details.
Cheshire West and Chester Council needs residents to respond to the annual canvass as soon as possible. If there is no response to the initial letter there will be a reminder letter, followed by a canvasser visiting the residence in person.
The annual canvass also ensures that Cheshire West and Chester can keep the electoral register up to date.
It is used for elections and also for financial institutions to verify a person’s identity when they apply for credit.
Residents can contact the Council’s democratic services team if they have any questions about getting on the electoral register.
(Click here for more information.)
You can read about arrangements for Cheshire East here.
