Residents are being urged to make sure they are
registered to take part in elections.
To be eligible to vote you must appear in the Register of
Electors.
Voter registration forms will soon be dropping through
letterboxes across North Somerset and people are being urged to
return them as soon as possible to make their voice heard.
Every British, Irish, European or Commonwealth citizen 18 or
over, or who will become 18 before 1 December 2012, is
legally required to register.
Cllr Felicity Baker, executive member whose portfolio includes
electoral services, said: "Registering to vote is very simple. All
you have to do is update the annual canvass form with the details
of everyone in your household who is eligible to vote and return it
to us as soon as possible.
"And even better, if your details haven’t changed you can also
reply by text, phone or e-mail internet."
Forms are pre-printed with the information the council holds
from the previous annual canvass. If details for your
household have changed, you will need to update the form and return
it to the council by post using the pre-paid envelope provided or
at any North Somerset library. Changes can also be emailed
through.
"Some people may not realise that they have to register every
year but it is important that you complete and return the
registration form so you’re able to make your vote count in any
upcoming elections," added Cllr Baker.
On your electoral registration form you can opt to have your
details excluded from the edited register. This will mean your
details cannot be bought by individuals and commercial
organisations. You need to make this choice annually (although this
is the one change that you can make by phone or internet).
Find out more about
registering to vote.
