Local 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.
The annual canvass ensures that the Council of the Isles of Scilly can 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.
Paul Masters, Electoral Registration Officer at the Council of the Isles of Scilly said:
“We’re getting in touch with every household on the islands to check we’ve got the right details on the electoral register. When you receive your letter, please follow the instructions to make sure you are able to have your say at future elections. If you’re not currently registered, your name will not appear in the letter we send. If you want to register, the easiest way is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote, or we’ll send you information explaining how to do this in the post.”
People who have moved recently are particularly encouraged to look out for the letters and check the 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, said:
“It’s really important that everyone who is entitled to vote is able to do so. Checking the messages that you will 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 to your local authority when it is needed and register to vote online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.”
Information on registering to vote is available on the Electoral Commission website.
Any residents who have any questions can contact their local registration team at the contact details below:
Email: elections@scilly.gov.uk
Telephone: 01720 424545