Households across Cumberland are being encouraged to respond to the annual canvass - a process which seeks to make sure electoral registration details are up to date – as soon as they can.
Letters and emails have been sent to some households in recent weeks by Cumberland Council’s electoral services team asking people to check if the information about them on the electoral register is up to date.
Many households have responded to these communications already, however, those who’ve yet to respond will be visited by one of the council’s canvassers. Visits have already begun and will continue until Friday, November 14.
Residents are being reminded that all canvassers will carry photo ID and will never enter any property. Responses will be recorded on a tablet device and if there is no response a further visit may be scheduled or a ‘calling card’ with further instructions will be posted.
The annual canvass takes place to keep the electoral register up to date and also helps identify any residents who are not registered, so that they can be given the opportunity to apply.
Residents can still respond to any communications they’ve had using the online response channel or by returning the completed form. If a response is received before a visit is due to take place, then the household will be removed from the list.
Andrew Seekings, the council’s Electoral Registration Officer, said: “If you’ve already responded to the annual canvass, I’d like to say thank you for helping to ensure your information on the electoral register is up to date. If not, then please follow the instructions on the letter or email you’ve received as soon as you can.
“For those who don’t respond please do confirm your details with the council’s canvasser when they visit your household.”
If you have any enquiries about the annual canvass or any canvasser, please contact electoral services on [email protected] or 0300 373 3730. More information about the annual canvass process can be found on our website.