Residents Asked to Look Out for Canvass Forms

THE third phase of Reading Borough Council’s drive to get as many people as possible to sign up to the electoral register begins this week as Canvass Forms are sent to households who have not yet responded.

With both Council and Police and Crime Commissioner elections taking place in Reading in May 2021, this is an important opportunity for residents to make sure they can take part. The Council’s annual canvass ensures that it can keep the electoral register up to date, identifying any residents who are not registered and encouraging them to do so.

Christopher Brooks, Electoral Registration Officer at Reading Borough Council, said:

“We are now moving on to the third stage of our canvass. That means some households will receive what is known as a Canvass Form this week. “This is only going to those households where we have not been able to match details with the DWP, and to those households who have not yet responded to the Canvass letters sent out in mid August. People must respond to this letter by 28th September. “The quickest and easiest way to reply is online by following the details given in the letter. Alternatively, please check the details on the Canvass Form and update the information if necessary and return the form in the pre paid envelope provided. “Where no response is received, the Council is then obliged to follow up with households for a third time, which could include door to door canvassers visiting the address. It costs the Council money to do this, so its really important the form is returned as quickly as possible, ideally online which is the quickest route.” Residents who receive the letter are being asked to note the return address used on the envelopes is for the Council’s Electoral Services Printing Company (Civica) in London, which scan forms on the Council’s behalf. The easiest way to register is 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 People who have moved recently are particularly encouraged to look out for the voter registration messages from Reading Borough Council and check the details.