Make sure of your vote in 2012

Royal Borough residents are being urged to complete and return the annual electoral registration forms which have been dropping through letterboxes in recent weeks to ensure they can have their say in any elections in 2012.

In the first two weeks of this year's canvass more than 22,000 completed forms have been returned - just over one third of all the households in the borough.

The remaining households have until Friday 16 September to return the completed forms to prevent the need for a reminder to be sent - and the key message from the Royal Borough is "It's very simple to do but it has to be done every year!"

Chief Executive and Electoral Registration Officer, Ian Trenholm, said: "Some people may not realise that they have to register every year to make sure they can vote in any election during the following 12 months.

"But registering to vote is really simple. All you have to do is update the annual canvass form with the details of everyone in your household who is eligible to vote and return it to us as soon as possible.

"If the details printed on the form have not changed then we would prefer you to reply by the internet, freephone or SMS as detailed on the registration form. These are free to use and will reduce the costs to the council.

"There was a lot of interest in this year's referendum on the UK voting system and we were pleased with the increase in registration shortly before polling day.

"On your electoral registration form you can opt to have your details excluded from the edited register. This will mean your details cannot be bought by individuals and commercial organisations."

The returned information will be used to compile a new electoral register that will be the basis of any elections next year.

Households whose responses do not reach the elections team by 16 September will be issued with a repeat registration form which must be completed by Friday 14 October. Any registration forms still outstanding after that date will generate visits to households by a personal canvasser who will be able to help resolve any registration issues and concerns.

If you have not received your form you can contact the Electoral Registration Office at the Town Hall on 01628 683868, visit the electoral registration pages on www.rbwm.gov.uk or print off a form at www.aboutmyvote.co.uk

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