Annual canvass under way to help prepare for 2019 full council elections

Residents of Cheshire West and Chester can make sure they have a voice in the full council elections in May 2019 by replying to the household enquiry form that will be dropped through their letterboxes starting August 3.

The annual canvass is a perfect opportunity for residents to make sure that they can take part in the next council election, but also any upcoming election or referendum.

Referendums, elections and by-elections can be called at any time.

Andrew Lewis, electoral registration officer at Cheshire West and Chester said: “We don’t want anyone to lose their right to vote because they didn’t have time to get on the electoral register.

“Last year’s snap election is a good reminder of this.

“Taking just a few minutes to complete the form will ensure you’re properly registered.”

Many residents don’t realise that it’s a legal requirement to return the household enquiry form to the council in all circumstances.

It doesn’t matter if they have lived at their home for decades or if they are looking after an empty property on behalf of someone else.

The council still needs to verify who is at the address.

People who have moved house recently are particularly encouraged to keep an eye out for the form and check the details.

The authority needs residents to respond to the annual canvass as soon as possible.

If there is no response to the initial letter, there will be a reminder letter, followed by a canvasser visiting the residence.

The annual canvass ensures that Cheshire West and Chester can keep the electoral register up to date.

It is used for elections but financial institutions also use it to verify a person’s identity when they apply for credit.

An application may be rejected if a person does not appear on the register.

Residents can contact the council’s democratic services team if they have any questions about getting on the electoral register.

Visit www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk for more information.