South Tyneside Begins Annual Canvass

South Tyneside Council is calling on people to ensure they are on the Electoral Register and their right to vote is protected as it begins its annual canvass.

Residents are encouraged to look out for letters being delivered to homes across the Borough over the coming weeks to help the Council identify all those entitled to vote.

With elections taking place in South Tyneside in May 2023, this is an important opportunity for residents to make sure they can take part.

The annual canvass ensures the Council can keep the Electoral Register up to date, identifying any residents who are not registered and encouraging them to do so.

Councillor Joan Atkinson, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council with responsibility for Democratic Renewal, said: "The Council has a duty to maintain an accurate Electoral Register and it is very important that all adults and young people over the age of 16 living in the Borough are on it.

"The annual canvass is our way of making sure that the information on the Electoral Register for every address is accurate.

"We would advise people to look out for the letter arriving and, where required, respond as soon as possible to protect their right to vote in local and general elections and referendums.

"Those not currently registered won't appear in the letters we send. The easiest way to register is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

"By law, we have to call at the homes of those residents who do not respond to the letters.  We are urging residents to respond immediately once letters are received, this will reduce the need for house calls."

Residents are asked to check the printed details and follow the instructions on how to respond if required.

Residents who need to respond are encouraged to do so online immediately, where they will be able to:

• amend a name;
• add the names, and nationality, of any new occupants;
• remove the names of those who no longer live at the address;
• confirm there are no changes needed;
• request a postal vote application form;
• make changes to the open register.

Responding to the letter does not automatically register new occupiers to vote. 

Any new occupiers, who are not listed on the letter or canvass form, will also need to apply to register to vote.  People can apply to register to vote online via the gov.uk website, where they can give all the information they need to register, including their date of birth and national insurance number. 

Those who do not apply to register online will be sent a paper form in the post.

People who have moved house recently are particularly encouraged to look out for the letters 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.

In Great Britain, 92 per cent of people who have been at their property for more than 16 years will be registered, compared to 36 per cent of people who have lived at an address for less than one year.

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. We urge people to look out for updates from their local council on this year's canvass. The Council may contact residents by post or email.

"If you are not registered to vote, make sure you provide the necessary information to your local council when asked and register to vote online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote"

The Register of Electors will be used from 1 December 2022 to 30 November 2023.

For further information contact South Tyneside Council's Electoral Team on (0191) 424 7230or email elections@southtyneside.gov.uk

More details about electoral registration in South Tyneside is available on the Council's website at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/elections Visit www.gov.uk/yourvotematters for further information about the electoral registration system.