Annual Electoral Canvass - make sure your voice is heard

Published: 29 June 2020

Don’t lose your voice – residents in Derby urged to look out for their voter registration details from Derby City Council

Local residents can avoid losing their voice on decisions that affect them by making sure their electoral registration details are up to date.

With elections taking place in Derby in May 2021, this is an important opportunity for everyone to make sure they can take part.

The annual canvass ensures that Derby City Council can keep the electoral register up to date, identifying any residents who are not registered so that they can be encouraged to do so. They would then be able take part in any future elections.

Emily Feenan, Electoral Registration Officer at Derby City Council said:

It’s important that residents keep an eye out for messages from Derby City Council, so we can make sure we have the right details on the electoral register for every address in the city. This year’s canvass, which we have to carry out by law, is taking place during a challenging public health situation. We are working to ensure that we take account of public health guidelines, including the continued importance of social distancing. We encourage people to respond as soon as possible when they receive a message, using the online option if possible. If your name doesn’t appear on the message, you should add it and then register online at gov.uk/register-to-vote. If you don’t register online we’ll send you information explaining how to register in the post. People who have moved recently are particularly encouraged to look out for the voter registration messages from Derby City Council and check the details. Research by the Electoral Commission indicates that recent home movers are far less likely to be registered than those who have lived at the same address for a long time. Across Great Britain, 92% of people who have been at their property for more than sixteen years will be registered, compared to 36% of people who have lived at an address for less than one year.

There’s lots of helpful information about registering to vote on our website.

Melanie Davidson, Head of Support and Improvement at the Electoral Commission, said:

It’s really important that everyone who is entitled to vote is able to do so. Making sure you provide the necessary information to your local authority when it is needed will ensure the process runs smoothly. This is particularly helpful in the current public health situation, as it will help avoid the need for home visits from canvassers. Any residents who have any questions can contact their local registration team at elections@derby.gov.uk or on 01332 640837.

Democracy