Residents asked to look out for Canvass Forms
- Canvass Forms are sent to households who have not yet responded
- Local elections taking place in Reading in May 2023
THE THIRD PHASE of Reading Borough Council’s drive to get as many people to sign up to the electoral register begins this week as Canvass Forms are sent to households who have not yet responded.
With local elections taking place in Reading in May 2023, 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. Please also remember to add any 16 and 17-year-olds at the household as they can Register and vote when they turn 18.
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 Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and to those households who have not yet responded to the Canvass letters sent out in at the end of July. People must respond to this letter by 28 September 2022.
“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.”
In addition to responding to the Annual Canvass Form, if you are not Registered then 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.