Annual registration forms are being delivered to every household in the borough, and Richmond Council is reminding residents that they must complete and return the forms as soon as possible, to ensure that they are registered to vote in next year’s London Assembly and Mayoral Elections.
Gillian Norton, Returning Officer for Richmond upon Thames, said:
“It is important to complete and return your forms as soon as possible, otherwise you could jeopardise your right to vote. This applies even if you have changed your details or submitted new information throughout the year.
“Filling them in on time will also help to save the Council ten of thousands of pounds that is spent on sending reminders and contacting people directly for their information.
“The Council has a legal duty to ensure every residential address is registered, even if there is nobody eligible to vote living there.
“If you require any help or advice please contact our Electoral Services for more information.”
By law everyone must renew their registration every year. The information allows the Council to publish an accurate Electoral Roll in December, ensuring that all eligible residents can take part in elections and referenda. The list is also used to contact residents about jury service.
All homes will have received a compulsory form from 19 August, with details of the residents currently registered to vote on the Register of Electors, also known as the Electoral Roll. By UK law they must respond to remain registered, and advise of any change of residents’ details.
For more information contact the Electoral Registration Office on 020 8891 7775 or visit www.richmond.gov.uk/annual_canvass
