This week, voter registration packs issued by the Council will be dropping through the letterboxes of people’s homes.
The Council is encouraging people to respond promptly and, where they can, do so via the Internet, Text SMS, or telephone to help save the taxpayers purse up to £33,000.
Based upon previous figures, there are around 55,000 households whose details will not have changed. They are eligible to use the Internet, Text SMS, or telephone to renew their registration. The process is quick and simple. If everyone did do, it would save the local taxpayer £8,000 in administrative costs. Last year, 19,000 households renewed electronically.
The largest saving could be made by people simply responding by Monday 30th July 2012. Every household is required by law to give the information asked for in the voter registration form. Failure to do so means the Council will have to send out a reminder letter, followed up by a personal visit from a registration canvasser. Last year £25,000 was spent on reminders and canvassers’ visits.
The Police and Crime Commissioner Elections being held on November 15th 2012 in our area.
Councillor Paul Crossley, Leader of Council, said, “We are encouraging people to register promptly and go electronic if they can. Using our electronic methods to register is quick, simple, and convenient. By registering, people will have the opportunity to make their voice heard at the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections and save public money.”
How to register – it’s easy
People must update the annual registration form with the details of everyone in the household who is eligible to vote and return it to the Electoral Registration Office by Monday 30th July 2012.
- If details of the household haven’t changed, people can renew their registration electronically using the Internet, Freephone, or Text SMS. Forms can also be returned via post.
- If the details of the household have changed, for example someone has moved in or out, these can only be updated by filling in a form and sending in via post.
If a household hasn’t received their form by Monday 16th July 2012 they should contact the Council via email or phone.
Further details are online www.bathnes.gov.uk/registertovote or from [email protected] or by phone 01225 477333.
