Below is a list of some of the most frequently asked questions about the Annual Canvass. 

Why have I been sent this form when I am already registered to vote?

The council is legally obliged to send forms out to every household every year to make sure that the correct information is on the Electoral Register. Even if you have only recently registered, we need to know whether anyone else should also be on the register at this address. People have to apply to be registered separately from any other council records e.g. Council Tax.

I have already applied to register; do I need to return the Annual Canvass Form I’ve received too?

Yes. The Annual Canvass Form is not a registration form, but instead provides us with information on who lives in your household. This means we can invite other residents, including any 16 or 17 year-olds, to register to vote if we need to.

What will happen after I complete the Annual Canvass Form?

The information provided on the form will allow us to send a separate individual registration form to all the people in your household who are eligible and need to register.

Why is the form addressed to the current occupier rather than to the people printed on the form?

The form is for that particular property. If it was addressed to the individual householder and that person no longer lived there, the form might be returned unopened or redirected to where the person now lives. This would mean that the people actually living at the property may miss out on the chance to register to vote

Why can’t I go on the Register straight away?

If before 10 August 2022 - Each person has to register individually either by going online or completing an Invitation to Register form which will be sent to you. If you go on-line before 10 August you will be added to the register from 1 September 2022.

If after 10 August- Each person has to register individually either by going online or completing an Invitation to Register form which will be sent to you. You will then be added to the Register when it is published on 1 December 2022.

The deadline for you to be added to the Register on 1 September was 10 August 2022. The register is not updated between 1 September and 1 December (except for election purposes).

Do I have to include my children on the form?

You only need to include anyone who is over the age of 16. They will not be able to vote until they are 18.

I am a foreign national, refugee, asylum seeker- can I be added to the register?

You can only be added to the register if you are a British, Irish, Commonwealth or EU Citizen. Having leave to remain does not qualify you to be added to the Electoral Register unless you also qualify by your nationality.

This is my second home- can I register here as well?

If you live in more than one address you can register at both addresses but you are only allowed to vote once at the same election.

Do I register my son/daughter who is a student?

Students can register at both their term time address and their home address so it is their choice.

Will you tell me I have been registered?

If your name is already on the form then we will not send you any other confirmation. However, new people who are added to the register will have further correspondence from us either to confirm they have been added to the register or to request further information.