Households that have not yet returned their electoral registration forms to the town hall are being reminded that it is a legal requirement for them to do so.

The forms were delivered to every home in the borough last month. By law they must be completed and returned - even if the householder has no intention of voting in any forthcoming election and even if they are not eligible to vote.

To ensure that the borough's electoral register is as complete as possible, council staff will this weekend begin visiting homes that have not yet returned their forms. Their job will be to speak directly to residents on their doorsteps to obtain this legally required information.

To avoid this inconvenience, people who have not yet done so are being reminded about the range of quick and easy options available to them to register their details.

They can confirm their details by using the freephone, online or text (SMS) facility, or send the form back by fax or hand deliver it to the town hall. Alternatively they can fill in their form and post it back to the town hall in the accompanying prepaid envelope. There is no need to use a stamp, but people must remember to sign the form.

The freephone, online or text facilities are only available to households whose details have not changed since the last canvass a year ago. People who choose to register in one of these easy and convenient ways must also have their registration form in front of them when doing so, as it contains a unique reference number they will need to quote. Details of how to use these methods to register appear on the forms.

To send the signed and completed forms back to the town hall by fax, dial (020) 8871 8382.

Head of electoral services Neil Kennett said: "With the GLA Elections taking place next May, it is vitally important that people who wish to have their say make sure their names are included on the electoral register.

"It is simple and easy to do, and should not take more than a couple of minutes. Registering by post, by fax or via freephone, online or text message also means that you won’t have the inconvenience of someone calling at your door to chase up your details."
 
"People should not assume that they are automatically registered because they have voted before or because they pay council tax. Returning your forms promptly and avoiding the expense of arranging lots of follow-up calls will also help us keep your council tax low."

For more information and to obtain a registration form telephone (020) 8871 6023 or email electoral@wandsworth.gov.uk. The forms can also be downloaded from the electoral service's website at www.wandsworth.gov.uk/vote .
 


September 16, 2011