Canvassers will call at 14,500 homes to collect electoral registration forms

Over the summer homes in Dacorum had a household enquiry form posted through their letterbox, listing the names of those registered to vote at that address.

The form must be updated and returned to Dacorum Borough Council so that anyone not already registered to vote can be told how to.

So far, 77 per cent of the borough’s households have returned their forms or confirmed their details by phone, text or online.

The council’s canvassers will be calling at the remaining 14,500 households with reminder forms until the beginning of November.

If there are any changes or additions, such as new residents or teenagers aged 16 or 17, they can simply be marked on the form and returned to the council. There are detailed instructions on the form.

Jim Doyle, group manager for democratic services, said: “You have to be on the electoral register if you want to have your say in elections.

“Around 14,500 households have not returned their forms, which is around 23 per cent of the total number in Dacorum.

“Some people wrongly assume that paying council tax means you are automatically registered to vote.

“I am urging all those eligible to vote in Dacorum to return their form as soon as possible.”

The new, individual electoral registration system brought in last year means that as well completing the household form, anyone at an address who wasn’t confirmed under the new system and hasn’t registered to vote individually since will be sent a further registration form to complete.

Teenagers aged 16 and 17 can also register, so that they are able to vote as soon as they turn 18.

It’s easy to do online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote, but residents must still fill out the household enquiry form and send it back so that everyone in the house has the opportunity to register to vote.

Every canvasser will carry identification to confirm they are working on behalf of the council.

They can also help residents to complete the form.

Canvassers will call twice at each household where details haven’t been returned.

Those who have not received or have lost the form can call 01442 228000 and ask for Electoral Services, email [email protected] or visit www.dacorum.gov.uk/registertovote