Register to vote now

1 September 2011

South Lakeland District Council has started its annual electoral registration canvas to compile the Register of Electors for 2011.  Around 54,000 forms have been sent to properties across South Lakeland and the information received is used to compile an accurate Register, which will list everyone who is eligible to vote in an election.  The Register will be published on 1 December 2011 and remains in force for one year.

The forms sent to each property in the district give occupants the chance to check the details held and confirm them or change them as necessary.  Residents will notice that the form is slightly different to previous years, and this is to help the council improve its service.

If there are no changes to the details, it is very easy to register by telephone, Internet or text message and full details of how to do this are on the form.  This is a quick and easy method that saves time and money, but people can still complete and return the form if they are not able to use the automated services and have changes to make.

SLDC’s Electoral Services Manager, Claire Marsh, said: “The most important part in this process is for people to respond to the form to ensure they can vote in local and national elections.  It is a legal requirement for everyone over 18 years of age to be included in the voters’ roll, so I would urge people to register as soon as possible.  The council wants to make sure that as many people as possible in the district who are entitled to vote are registered and just paying Council Tax does not mean you are automatically registered to vote.  You need to register to vote and you can do that right now.” 

By registering now, members of the public will be making sure they are eligible to vote in the local elections and potential Police Commissioner elections next May and any other elections throughout the year.  Another benefit of being registered is that it can assist with obtaining financial services.

If you have any queries about the Register of Electors, please call the SLDC Customer Contact Centre on 0845 050 4434 or email elections@southlakeland.gov.uk or check the council’s website www.southlakeland.gov.uk