Don’t lose your voice – residents urged to check voter registration details

Elections manager Clare Poole from Rochdale Borough Council

Residents are being warned not to lose their voice on decisions that affect them by making sure their electoral registration details are up to date.

With local council elections taking place in Rochdale in May 2022, it’s an important opportunity to make sure you can take part.

The annual canvass ensures that Rochdale Borough Council keep the electoral register up to date, identifying any residents who are not registered to vote so that they can be encouraged to do so.

Clare Poole, elections manager, said: “It’s important residents look out for messages from us, so we can make sure we have the right details on the electoral register for every address in the borough.

“We’ve sent you a letter, so simply follow the instructions. If there are no changes, there is no need to respond. And if you’re not already registered the easiest way is to register online at rochdale.gov.uk/registertovote.”

People who have moved recently are particularly encouraged to check their details.

Research by the Electoral Commission, published in 2019, indicates that recent home movers are far less likely to be registered than those who have lived at the same address for a long time. Across Great Britain, 92% of people who have been at their property for more than sixteen years will be registered, compared to 36% of people who have lived at an address for less than one year.

Melanie Davidson, head of support and improvement at the electoral commission, added: “It’s really important that everyone who is entitled to vote is able to do so.

“Checking the messages that you get from your local authority is the easiest way to see if you’re registered to vote. If you’re not, make sure you provide the necessary information when it is needed and register to vote online.”

If you have any questions, visit rochdale.gov.uk/annualcanvass and if necessary you can contact the elections team by emailing elections@rochdale.gov.uk or phone 0300 303 0345.