Elections: Have your say in just three minutes

Residents across the borough will be able to register to vote in just three minutes, following the launch of a new, simpler online process

Residents across the borough will be able to register to vote in just three minutes, following the launch of a new, simpler online process.

Residents can now register to vote online by simply providing their name, address, date of birth and national insurance number into the new Individual Electoral Registration (IER) system, which was launched this week.

The system makes it easier for residents because it replaces the need to collect or download a form and fill it in before sending it back to the council. It is also compatible with a range of devices, including smartphones and tablets, so people can register at a time and place that’s convenient for them.

Many of those who are already registered to vote will have their details checked against government records at the end of June and automatically be moved onto the new system, meaning they won’t have to fill out an electoral registration form ahead of the local and general elections next year.

The rest will be sent a letter in early August advising them of what they need to do to ensure their details are moved onto the new system.

The new online tool is part of the move to Individual Electoral Registration (IER), replacing the old and outdated household registration system with individual registration.

It will also prevent fraud by enabling the government to check that everyone on the register is who they say they are.

Linda Fisher, who oversees elections as the Returning Officer for Rochdale Borough Council, welcomed the move.

She said: “It’s great news that our residents will now be able to register to vote whenever and wherever is best for them. Voting is a vital party of democracy and I encourage everybody to use this new, easier system to register before the local and general elections next year.”

Minister of State for the Cabinet Office, Greg Clark, said: “This service will bring voter registration into the 21st century and make it easier, simpler and faster for people to vote. Putting public services online is saving taxpayers money and giving people access to services when and where they need them.”

For more information and to register to vote, visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote