Local residents are being warned not to lose their voice on decisions that affect them by making sure their electoral registration details are up to date.

With 17 seats on West Oxfordshire District Council up for election along with County Council, Parish Council and Police and Crime Commissioner elections on 6 May 2021, this is an important opportunity for residents to make sure they can take part.

The annual canvass ensures that the Council can keep the electoral register up to date, identifying any residents who are not registered so that they can be encouraged to do so. 

Over the next few weeks residents will be receiving a letter encouraging them to check their details and update them if necessary.

Keith Butler, Electoral Registration Officer at West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “We are now in the process of writing to all households. It’s vital for residents to make sure their details are accurate and to ensure they respond where they need to. We want to make sure that every eligible resident in the District has the right to vote.  

 “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, or we’ll send you information explaining how to do this in the post.

“This year’s canvass, which we have to carry out by law, is taking place during a challenging public health situation. We are working to ensure that we take account of public health guidelines, including the continued importance of social distancing.” 

People who have moved recently are particularly encouraged to look out for the voter registration messages from the Council and check the details. 

Research by the Electoral Commission indicates that recent home movers are far less likely to be registered than those who have lived at the same address for a long time. Across Great Britain, 92 per cent of people who have been at their property for more than 16 years will be registered, compared to 36 per cent of people who have lived at an address for less than one year.

Melanie Davidson, Head of Support and Improvement at the Electoral Commission, said: “It’s really important that everyone who is entitled to vote is able to do so. Making sure you provide the necessary information to your local authority when it is needed will ensure the process runs smoothly. This is particularly helpful in the current public health situation, as it will help avoid the need for home visits from canvassers.

“There’s lots of helpful information about registering to vote on our website: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter.”

Any residents who have any questions can contact their local registration team on 01993 861410 or fill out a general inquiry form here:
https://community.westoxon.gov.uk/s/general-enquiry

Find out more about electoral registration and the annual canvass here: 
https://www.westoxon.gov.uk/about-the-council/elections-and-voting/register-to-vote/