Archived press release

Date Published: 21/08/06

Aylesbury Vale District Council is urging residents to get ready for the local elections next year by making sure they are on the electoral register. Registration forms that will allow qualifying adults to vote in the district council elections i...

Aylesbury Vale District Council is urging residents to get ready for the local elections next year by making sure they are on the electoral register.

Registration forms that will allow qualifying adults to vote in the district council elections in May 2007 are about to be sent to every property in Aylesbury Vale.

Residents must respond in time for their details to be included on the electoral register that is published on 1 December 2006. The register lists everyone who is allowed to vote at elections.

Householders are legally obliged to return the details of all British, Irish, European Union or Commonwealth citizens aged 16 or over who will be living at the property permanently on Sunday 15 October 2006. Young people aged 16 and 17 are included so that they can be added to the electoral register when they turn 18.

Credit reference agencies are allowed to buy copies of the register, so that they have up to date information about you. If you are not on the register you will find it difficult to get credit, open a bank account or even get a mobile phone. It may also delay you receiving certain benefits.

Chris Sheard, Electoral Services Manager, said: “Only residents whose names appear on the new register will be entitled to vote at any elections held in 2007. Registering to vote gives you the opportunity to have your say about how your local area is run, and voting is your chance to make a difference.

“If you do not return your form an electoral registration canvasser will be knocking on your door asking you to complete the form. This costs the council money so help us to keep costs down by returning your form promptly.”

It’s never been so easy to register. You can return your form by post, or if your household details have not changed, you can register by telephone or online, making the process much more accessible.

All three methods offer residents the choice of going on just the full list, which has restricted uses, or also the edited list, which can be obtained by marketing companies and others.

Residents who do not receive a form or who need more information are asked to contact AVDC’s electoral registration team on 01296 585807 or email electoralregistration@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk

Further information is also available on the council’s website under Your Home.