Don't lose your vote! Residents in Fenland urged to check their voter registration details

Every year, by law, local authorities must conduct an annual canvass of all residential properties in their area to keep the electoral register up to date, identify who risks losing their voice at elections, and to encourage them to register to vote before it's too late.

Cllr Chris Boden, Leader of Fenland District Council and Portfolio Holder for Electoral Services, said: "The annual canvass is now underway in Fenland so please keep an eye out for important updates from the Council. The canvass ensures that details on the electoral register for every address is accurate and up to date. To make sure you don't lose your say at upcoming elections, simply follow the instructions sent to you.

"If you're not currently registered to vote, your name will not appear in the messages we send. If you want to register, the easiest way is online at on the Government website."

The council will be contacting all residential properties in a variety of ways including by email, post, phone and visiting properties.

Key dates for the 2024 annual canvass:

• Canvass emails sent from 14 August 2024 (residents who did not respond to their email will receive a letter)
• Initial canvass letters delivered from 6 September to 22 September 2024
• Reminder canvass letters delivered from 15 October 2024
• Canvasser visits to non-responding properties from 8 November to 8 December 2024

Recent home movers in particular are urged to check their details. Electoral Commission research has found that recent home movers are less likely to be registered than those who have lived at the same address for a long time. In Great Britain, 92% of those who have lived in their home for 16 years will be registered, compared with 36% of people who have lived at an address for less than a year.

Not every household will need to respond, but those that are required to do so are encouraged to as soon as possible to ensure that the process runs smoothly and to remove the need for reminders and any further contact.

Jackie Killeen, Director of Electoral Administration and Regulation, said: "It's really important that everyone who is eligible to vote is able to do so. We urge people to check for updates from their local council on this year's canvass.

"If you are not registered to vote, make sure you provide the necessary information to your local council when asked and register to vote online."

• Visit our Annual Canvass for more information and frequently asked questions. Alternatively, email the council's elections team at elections@fenland.gov.uk or phone 01354 654321.

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September 2024