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

Electoral Commission research has found that recent home movers are less likely to be registered than those who have lived at the same address for a long time

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 elections taking place across the borough in May 2023, it’s important to make sure you can take part.

Every household in Rochdale will receive a letter in July or August asking residents to check and update the names of the registered voters at that address.

The annual canvass allows Rochdale Borough Council to keep the electoral register up to date, to identify who risks losing their voice at elections, and to encourage them to register before it’s too late.

Clare Poole, elections manager said: "It’s important residents look out for the letter we recently sent out, so we can make sure we have the right details on the electoral register for every address in the borough. Simply follow the instructions on your letter. If there are no changes, there is no need to respond."

Recent home movers in particular are urged to check their details. Electoral Commission research has found that recent home movers are less likely to be registered than those who have lived at the same address for a long time. In Great Britain, 92% of those who have lived in their home for 16 years will be registered, compared with 36% of people who have lived at an address for less than a year.

Melanie Davidson, head of support and improvement at the Electoral Commission added: “It’s really important that everyone who is eligible to vote is able to do so. We urge people to look out for updates from their local council on this year’s canvass.”

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.