THE annual household mail out is a few months early this year so that the electoral register is up-to-date for the Police and Crime Commissioner Election on 15 November and people wanting to vote can make sure their voices are heard.
People can only vote if their name appears in the register of electors and they are aged 18 or over on polling day. Any eligible person over the age of 16 can register to vote in forthcoming elections.
The Electoral Service Team at Central Bedfordshire Council will be sending forms to households during week commencing 9 July to compile the electoral register.
Registering to vote is very simple. Households which have no changes to the details on their form can re-register in minutes online by text or freephone.
Councillor Maurice Jones said: “Ninety six percent of residents are currently on the electoral register but we want to make sure that no-one misses out on their chance to vote. Last year 40,000 people took advantage of our convenient registration options, saving themselves time and the Council £13,000. To keep down costs we are urging anyone with no changes to their household details this year to follow suit.
“Some people may not realise that they have to register every year. If you let your registration lapse you’ll lose your right to have a say on local and national issues.”
As well as being a residents’ ticket to vote, there are other important advantages to being on the electoral register. The register is also used as part of credit checks by lenders so if anyone who is not on the register could miss out on getting loans amongst other things.
The revised electoral register will be published by October 16.
There are full and edited versions of the registers. Access to the full register is restricted to certain people and organisations who can only use it for specific purposes. Individuals and organisations can ask to buy the edited register which can be used for any purpose, including direct marketing. You can opt to have your details excluded from the edited register.
For more information about the voter registration forms visit www.centralbedfordshirecouncil.gov.uk/electoralregister or contact the Electoral Service Team on 0300 300 8008.