Annual voter canvass to ensure register is up to date

The Electoral Registration Officer will be contacting every household to check that the electoral register is up to date, and to identify anyone who should be registered but is currently missing.

Roy Christie, Electoral Registration Officer for Angus Council, said: “The annual canvass is our way of making sure that the information on the electoral register for every address is accurate and up to date. To make sure you don’t lose your say at upcoming elections, simply follow the instructions sent to you.

“If you’re not currently registered, your name will not appear in the messages we send. If you want to register, the easiest way is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.”

Recent home movers in particular are urged to check their details. Electoral Commission research has found that recent home movers are less likely to be registered than those who have lived at the same address for a long time.

The letters sent to each household will also contain a flyer regarding Voter ID. If voting in person at a UK Parliament election you will need to show photo ID, either a passport, driving licence or National Entitlement Card.

Anyone without an accepted form of ID can apply for a free voter ID document known as a Voter Authority Certificate. The requirement to show photo ID currently only applies to a UK Parliament by-election, but will apply to UK general elections from October.

Photo ID is not currently required for Scottish Parliament or council elections. For more information or to apply for Voter ID, visit www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voter ID.

Andy O’Neill, Head of the Electoral Commission in Scotland, said: “It’s really important that everyone who is eligible to vote is able to do so. We urge people to check for updates from their Electoral Registration Officer on this year’s canvass. You might receive an email, a letter, or a phone call, or someone might knock on your door.

“If you are not registered to vote, make sure the necessary information is provided when asked and register to vote online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.”

Information on registering to vote is available on the Electoral Commission website. Residents with questions about their registration status can contact the Electoral Registration Officer for Angus Council (tel 01307 499910 or email [email protected]).

The office, at William Wallace House, Orchard Loan, Forfar, is open to members of the public by appointment only.