Don't Lose Your Vote - Look out for the Annual Canvass Form

Residents of Torridge district will be receiving their annual Register of Electors form any day now - look out for it in your letterbox.

Households normally get their forms in late August but for 2012 they will be arriving on doormats in June and July with the new register being produced on 16 October, in time for the Police and Crime Commissioners Election in November.

All of Torridge's 31,003 households receive a Registration form each year which must be completed by law and returned to the Electoral Services team. If there are no changes in your household, why not register by phone, internet or text? It's quick and easy and on each form you will find a unique reference number and instructions on how to do so.

If things have changed in your household then you will need to make the changes on the form and return it in the pre-paid envelope provided.

You need to be included on the registration form if you are:

• 18 and over 

• British, Irish, European or qualifying Commonwealth citizen 

• 16 / 17 years old (so that you are eligible to vote as soon as you turn 18) 

• living within Torridge on 15 October

Ken Miles, Returning Officer at Torridge District Council said:

"Don't assume that because you were registered last year your name will automatically be included in this year's Register of Electors. That's not the case at all – you must return the form every year. Remember if you're not registered you won't be able to vote in the next election."

People who do not complete and return the form may be liable to a fine of £1,000.

The new Electoral Register will be published on 16 October 2012 and residents can inspect their entry at any of the Council Office buildings. Residents can also contact the Election Team on  01237 428702 ,or look at http://www.torridge.gov.uk/elections for more information.

22 June 2012