An annual canvas takes place every year, to ensure that our electoral register is up to date.
What is IER?
The way we all register to vote has changed
The registration system changed in June 2014. The new system is called Individual Electoral Registration.
Individual Electoral Registration is being introduced to help tackle electoral fraud and enable online registration which will make it easier and more convenient for you to register to vote.
How is the new system different?
- You can now register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
- Everyone is responsible for registering themselves. Under the old system the ‘head of every household’ could register everyone who lived at their address.
- You need to provide a few more details to register – including your national insurance number and date of birth. This makes the electoral register more secure.
How do I register under the new system?
- Go to www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
- Fill in your name, address, date of birth and a few other details. You’ll also need your national insurance number, which can be found on your national insurance card, or in official paperwork such as payslips, or letters about benefits or tax credits.
- Look out for a confirmation to say you’re registered.
If I am already on the electoral register will I need to do anything?
Look out for a form that will be sent to you during July and August.
You need to check that the information on the form is correct, amend it if necessary and send it back as soon as possible. You must send it back even if the information is correct and there are no changes to make.
The aim of the form is to make sure that the electoral register is up to date and to identify any residents who are not registered so that they can be encouraged to do so.
Most people will already be registered and you will simply be confirming that the details are correct.
If you need any help, contact the Electoral Services helpline – 01282 477261 or 01282 477263 – staff will be able to help you.