Annual canvass

We are required by law to keep and publish an up-to-date electoral register. 

Our work to update the register is called the 'annual canvass' and it takes place each year. 

We send a canvass email or letter to each household which asks you to:

• check if we have the correct people registered to vote
• let us know if there's any new eligible residents living with you

You are required by law to provide the information requested by us. Only one person from your household needs to respond. 

Who is included in your household

All eligible residents in your household must be included on the form.

Eligible residents are:

• people who are aged 16 years or over (although they will not be able to vote until they are 18)
• British, Irish or qualifying EU citizens
• Commonwealth citizens who have leave to remain in the UK or who do not require leave to remain in the UK

If you add a new person to your household and they wish to vote in future elections, they will need to register to vote.

Register to vote after responding to the canvass

Responding to the canvass does not register you to vote.

You are not automatically registered to vote, even if you pay Council Tax. Council Tax records do not include all the information needed to register you to vote.

Register to vote on GOV.UK.