Residents must act to keep voting rights

Archived press release

Date Published: 18/08/09

Register to vote

Although a General Election has yet to be called, Aylesbury Vale District Council is already working hard to make sure that all eligible residents can have their say on polling day.

The council will be sending voter registration forms to around 71,000 properties across the Vale towards the end of this month to compile a new electoral register that will be the basis for any elections held next year.

By completing and returning the form, Aylesbury Vale voters will be making sure their voice can be heard on what matters to them.

The form asks householders to update their details or confirm current information is correct. If there are no changes, the simplest way for people to confirm their registration is by one of the remote methods, that is, by telephone, over the internet or by SMS text, which ensures existing electors are registered quickly and securely.

The automated telephone registration service is free to use (mobile networks may make a charge) by calling 0800 197 6185 or you can log onto www.registerbyinternet.com/aylesbury to register. Texts to 80212 will be charged at the service providers’ standard rate.

The form will be addressed to “The Occupier”. Changes to existing electors and any new electors, including any 16 to 17 year olds born between 1 December 1991 and 30 November 1992, should be made by entering the details on the form and returning it by post.

AVDC is legally obliged to send reminder forms to everyone who fails to reply to the first letter by the middle of September. If no response is received to reminders, the council will chase households by sending canvassers door-to-door to request that forms are completed.

Anyone failing to register may lose their right to vote in any forthcoming elections and could potentially face a fine of up to £1,000 for non-registration. Paying council tax does not automatically get local people on the register of electors.

Registering to vote not only gives residents a voice at election time, it can also help to open a bank account, secure a mobile phone contract, and obtain a mortgage, loan or other credit as it is a major source of information for financial institutions doing credit checks.

Councillor John Cartwright, Leader of the Council, said: “Our message is simple: Register today and it’s gone straight away. We are urging people not to put the forms to one side but to check and confirm their details as quickly as possible. If you do not register to vote 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.

“There’s a General Election coming between now and June 2010, if you’re not registered to vote, then you can’t make a decision about who represents you in Westminster. Secure your voice on the issues that matter to you now: it only takes a few minutes.”

For further information about registering to vote, go to www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/registration or call 01296 585807.