Don’t lose your right to vote!
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council is about to commence its annual canvass – so now is the time to act if you want to make sure you are registered to vote.
Canvass forms are sent out to every household in the borough by law to ensure the Register of Electors contains the up-to-date details of all residents who are eligible to vote.
It's so simple to register - all you have to do is complete the canvass form when it drops through your letter box.
Residents should start receiving their household registration form on or around Monday 18th June.
If you are happy with the details already printed on the form you can confirm them using the FREE and SECURE internet or telephone service.
You will find your own unique reference number on the top right hand side of the form. Either method allows you to request an application to vote by post should you wish to do so.
If you need to change any details on the form these should be amended and the form returned BY POST using the envelope provided.
Anyone moving home around October 15th, 2012, should contact the Council’s Electoral Office on 01702-215010.
Registering now will enable you to take part in elections for the new post of Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) which take place across the country on Thursday 15th November, 2012.
The elections will be held in the 41 police force areas of England and Wales outside of Greater London – including Essex.
The commissioners will represent their local electorate and have control over policing priorities in their local force area.
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Chief Executive Rob Tinlin, who also acts as the Borough’s Electoral Registration and Returning Officer, urged residents to fill in the canvass form.
He said: “In the interests of local democracy it is essential that as many residents as possible register for a vote and make sure they use it.
“The turn-out at the most recent local election in Southend was very low. People must realise that if they don’t vote they have no chance of influencing what happens in their local community.”
If you do not receive your canvass form, or if you would like more information about electoral registration, please contact the Council’s Electoral Services Team on 01702-215010.
