Knock Knock: Who’s there? It is the start of the annual canvassing personal visits

18 Oct 2024

West Suffolk residents are being urged to ensure their electoral registration details are up-to-date or risk losing their voice on decisions that affect them, with the annual canvassing personal visits starting on 1 November.

The annual canvass is a legal requirement that identifies who risks losing their vote at elections due to outdated information and to encourage them to register before it is too late. To do this, West Suffolk Council are required by law to make contact with every residential property in West Suffolk.

Residents that have not responded to previous emails, texts or letters, as well as any reminders, will receive a personal visit to their home from a trained canvasser to encourage a response.

The canvassers will use a tablet to collect information which will be kept secure. This tablet will synchronise with the electoral register so that the details are always up to date. For anyone who needs to be added to the register, the canvasser will also be able to collect the date of birth and National Insurance number. Because this is done electronically, it means that the elector’s information will be secure and will be verified more quickly without the need to send out further forms.

If there is no answer at the property, the canvassers will leave a calling card advising why the visit was made and the steps to take.

Cllr Gerald Kelly, Cabinet member for Governance and Regulatory, said: “The annual canvass is part of our duty to make sure the information on the electoral register is up to date and accurate. If you receive any communication from West Suffolk Council regarding your details on the electoral register, please do provide the necessary information. You may have been contacted by email, text or post, and those we have not had a response from will be contacted in person. Canvassers will visit properties from which we still require a response, starting the week starting 1 November 2024.”

The easiest way to register to vote is online at GOV.UK - Register to vote

For more information about annual canvassing, please visit: Annual update of electoral register

Residents with questions about their electoral registration status can contact West Suffolk Council’s Customer Services team at on 01284 757131.

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