Residents across the borough will be exercising their democratic right in May as they vote for those who will be responsible for running the borough for the next four years.
There will, however, be others who, while being keen to put an ‘X’ next to the name of their preferred candidate, won’t be able to do so because they have failed to register to vote.
Back in September, every household in the borough received, as part of the annual voter registration canvass, a Household Enquiry form. The canvass is designed to ensure all residents who are eligible to vote are registered so that they can have their voice at future elections.
Earlier this month, reminders were sent to households that had not returned the initial Household Enquiry forms, and those reminders were followed by personal visits to households that had continued to fail to respond.
While most have completed their details, there remain some who have yet to do so, and the council is about to launch a final postal push to urge non-responders to complete the registration process.
Every household must respond to this request for information. Those who fail to do so could be liable for a £1,000 fine and will lose the chance to vote at elections.
Jo Negrini, chief executive Croydon Council
‘’I’m pleased that so many households have already returned their forms. However, there are still some who haven’t done so and I’d remind them they should do so now.
“If you’re not on the electoral register, you won’t be entitled to vote at any elections in the future. It takes only a few minutes, so do please take this final opportunity to make sure that your opinion is counted when it comes to election time.”
Registering to vote has never been easier, and details on the many different ways to confirm the elector details already on the Household Enquiry form are listed on the letter that non-responders receive. Every new name added to the voters list must complete an individual form or go online at: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.
The quickest and easiest way to respond is online at www.householdresponse.com/croydon, using the security codes on the form. This service can be used to add and remove names and to amend existing information.
Where new names are added, an Individual Registration form will have been sent by post, or emailed to those eligible to register. These names will not be included in the electoral register until they have made a successful application.
There is no need to wait for the Individual Registration form to be sent. If there are no changes to be made, electors can confirm the details
• online at www.householdresponse.com/croydon;
• by calling Freephone 0800 197 9871; or
• by texting “Nochange”, along with the security code printed on the form, to 80212 (standard charges apply).
If you are unable to use any of these options, complete the form and post it back. Please do not return the form if you’ve confirmed using one of the automated options above.
To add, remove or update someone’s details, visit www.householdresponse.com/croydon. You will need the security codes printed on the form (at the bottom of the front page). If you do not have access to the internet you can amend the form and post it back.
All the information received during the canvass will be used to compile a new revised electoral register on Friday 1 December. To be included on the register we must receive information by Wednesday 22 November.
Not being on the electoral register can affect your credit score and ability to get a mortgage, loan, mobile phone contract and other credit facilities.
For more information visit www.yourvotematters.co.uk
Residents who have any questions can email electoral.services@croydon.gov.uk
