Canvass Takes to the Streets
South Tyneside Council's Elections Team will hit the streets over the coming weeks to ensure people are on the Electoral Register as part of the Borough's annual canvass.
Elections officers will be calling at the homes of residents who have yet to respond to the register of electors letters that were posted in July to help identify those who are entitled to vote.
Households were asked to respond where required and may have since received a phone call, email or text message reminding them to act.
By law, the Electoral Registration Officer must visit the homes of those residents who do not respond to the letters, where required or to the reminder email or text message.
All Council staff calling at homes will have an official identification badge featuring their photograph and will wear the appropriate protective equipment.
Where no contact can be made, staff will leave a pink card urging householders to respond to the letter they have already received or to contact the Elections Team.
Canvass forms will be delivered to households where contact cannot be made after several attempts and where householders have not responded to the pink cards.
John Rumney, South Tyneside's Returning Officer, 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.
"It is a requirement that we must visit the homes of those residents who do not respond to the canvass forms, emails or text messages. As the canvass is taking place during a challenging public health situation, we will be taking account of public health guidelines to help keep our residents, staff and their families safe and to minimise the risk of spreading the virus."
The Council publishes a new Register of Electors every year. The new register will be published on 1st December 2021.
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.