Register now – so you can vote later

Archived press release

Date Published: 21/09/11

Voting

Aylesbury Vale District Council is reminding residents of the need to register on the electoral roll to make sure that they can vote in any future elections.

Forms have now been delivered to every household in the district to enable the council’s electoral services to update the electoral register. So far around 70 per cent of households have registered to vote and many people have confirmed their details by telephone, internet or by text messaging.

Those households which have not yet replied will be sent reminder letters over the next two weeks. Last year sending out reminders to residents cost council taxpayers around £7,500.

If there are no changes to the form it is quicker and easier to register by telephone, internet or text message and will save the council money in postage and processing forms. Details of the freephone telephone line, text number and internet address are printed on the form.

The electoral canvass must be completed by 7 November. From mid-October, canvassers will be visiting properties to help people who may have lost their forms or not know how to register by other means.

Chris Sheard, Electoral Services Manager, said: “I’m urging all households who haven’t yet replied to their electoral registration forms to respond as soon as possible. Registration is compulsory, as it allows residents to exercise their right to vote.

“The quicker you reply, the better. Reminder letters are going out shortly, and if there is no response after that, the canvassers will be sent in person to chase up households.”

Anyone who is unsure in any way on how to complete the registration form should contact electoral services on 01296 585807 or email electoralreg@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk