Annual Canvass - September to November

The annual canvass is the annual audit of people who are eligible to vote in elections. The register is updated over the canvass period.

You can apply to go on the Electoral Register via the Annual Canvass between September and mid November every year. The Council is required by law to republish the Electoral Register on the 1st December each year and we send Voter Registration Forms to every address in the borough during this period.

If you don't complete the form you will not be able to exercise your democratic right to vote in an election and it is much harder to obtain credit if you are not registered.  You are actually required by law to complete the form.

Remember:

• You should respond to the annual canvass even if there are no changes to the information printed on your form, or if you have only recently been added to the register.
• It is helpful if you register any 16 and 17 years olds living with you (and include their date of birth) as this will make it easier when they are eligible to vote at 18 years old. 
• You do not need to wait until 15th October to return your canvass form, you can respond to it immediately.

When you send us your completed, signed form, we will add you to our list of new applications.  Any elector can then object to your name being added to the register – if this happens we will write to you.  If your application is not objected to, we will change your details within seven weeks of receiving your form.

Changes can be made to the register until mid-November for the new register to be published on 1 December.

Registering is easy. You can register that all details shown on your form are correct by telephone and text message and make certain changes online. Please see your canvass form for instructions. Otherwise you can respond by signing the form and returning it in the prepaid envelope. Changes can also be made in writing on the form.

To register online with the form you have been sent this year please have your security codes ready and visit our Elector Registration page. (not available)

If you have any queries please contact the Electoral Service Team on T: 020 8207 7481 or email electoral.registration@hertsmere.gov.uk