The Bourtons - News

Have you filled out your electoral registration form?

Posted by Julie Tomlin on Sep 19 2011

First reminders will go out at the end of the week for households which have not yet responded to this year’s electoral registration canvass.

Almost half of those with no changes have used the simple methods now available – text message, freephone or internet.

By the end of last week, of 59,005 forms issued, 34,023 responses had been received which equates to about 58 per cent.

Of these 5,751 were by phone, 5,961 were via the internet and 1,306 by text. A total of 14,033 postal responses had also been received but of these 7,066 required no changes so could have been done using the methods described above.

Cherwell’s chief executive, Sue Smith, said: "I’d urge people to respond quickly, using the phone, text or online methods if possible, as this saves taxpayers money.

“If no reply is received we need to send out two reminders and then have staff go out knocking doors, which is not cheap.”

Anyone with a touch-tone phone can call 0800 197 6180 and key in their two-part security code contained on the form.

An internet option is also available at www.registerbyinternet.com/cherwell-dc for anyone with no changes.

Alternatively, those with a mobile phone can text their unique number, also contained on the form, to 80212.

If any changes are needed - such as adding, removing or amending a name or changing a house name or postcode - they must be filled in on the form and returned in the pre-paid envelope. Changes cannot be made via telephone, internet or text.

Those who were not previously on the register should also fill out the form and post it back.

Registering is important for more reasons than having a vote, failure to do so can lead to refusals for loans or even mobile phone contracts.

This is because the electoral register is one of the criteria credit checking agencies use to assess someone’s eligibility.

More details on the electoral registration process are available at www.cherwell.gov.uk or by calling 01295 227938.

Did you know?

Registering is a legal requirement and failure to do so can incur a fine of up to £1,000.

Anyone wishing to vote must be on the register to receive their polling card, postal or proxy vote.

Anyone aged 16 or over can be included on the registration form but voters must be aged at least 18.

Last changed: Sep 19 2011 at 9:23 AM

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