15,000-plus Households in Reading Still Not Responded to the Council’s Annual Canvass

MORE than 15,000 households in Reading have still not responded to the Council’s annual canvass. 

Residents who have not yet responded are now being asked to look out for final reminder canvass forms being sent out by the Council's electoral services from this week.

Three phases of reminders have already been sent to Reading households since the summer. Missing responses mean some residents may be registered at the wrong address and some risk not being able to vote in future elections.

The letters being sent out this week is the final phase of the Council’s drive to get as many people as possible on the electoral register. Where no response is received, the Council has to resort to telephone canvassing, which costs the local authority and the Reading council tax payer money.

Residents must respond to the letters by 29 November, in time for the new register to be published on 1 December.

People who have recently moved home are particularly encouraged to look out for voter registration messages from the Council and double check the details.

Households are also being reminded to add any 16- and 17-year-olds living at the property, as they can register and vote when they turn 18.

The quickest and easiest way to reply to the final reminder is online by following the details given in the letter. Alternatively, check the details on the canvass form and update the information if necessary, returning the form in the pre-paid envelope provided.

In addition to responding to the annual canvass form, residents not registered can do so online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote, or the Council can send residents information explaining how to do this in the post if they call 0118 937 3717 or email Elections@reading.gov.uk