Trafford residents are being urged to check their electoral registration details or risk losing their chance to vote on decisions that affect them.
Local elections are due to take place in Trafford in May next year and this is the chance for residents to make sure they can take part.
Trafford Council is conducting its annual canvass of voters to check that the information on the electoral register is as accurate as possible.
Residents may receive an email, a letter, a phone call or a visit from a member of the council’s election team to make sure their details are correct. Any staff calling at a home will be carrying identification.
Sara Todd, Trafford Council’s Chief Executive and Electoral Registration Officer, said:
“We are urging people to keep an eye out for important updates from Trafford. The annual canvass is our way of making sure that the information on the electoral register for every address is accurate and up to date. To make sure you don’t lose your say at upcoming elections, simply follow the instructions sent to you.
“If you’re not currently registered, your name will not appear in the messages we send. If you want to register, the easiest way is online at Register to Vote.”
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.
Jackie Killeen, Director of Electoral Administration and Regulation, said:
“It’s really important that everyone who is eligible to vote is able to do so. We urge people to check for updates from their local council on this year’s canvass. The council may contact residents by post or email.
“If you are not registered to vote, make sure you provide the necessary information to your local council when asked and register to vote online at Register to Vote.”
Information on registering to vote is available on the Electoral Commission website.
Residents with questions about their registration status can contact their local council’s electoral services team at elections@trafford.gov.uk.