Everyone living in Wrexham is being encouraged not to lose their voice on decisions that affect them by making sure their electoral registration details are up to date.
With local government elections taking place next May this is an important opportunity for residents to make sure they can take part.
The annual canvass ensures we can keep the electoral register up to date, identifying any residents who are not registered to vote so that they can be encouraged to do so.
With 16-17 year olds and all foreign nationals legally living in Wales now able to vote in local elections in Wales, this will be an important opportunity to ensure these new voters can get onto the electoral register before next year’s local government elections.
Ian Bancroft, Electoral Registration Officer here in Wrexham said, “Residents need to look out for a form or letter from the council, so we can make sure we have the right details on the electoral register for every address in Wrexham.
“You might not have been able to vote before the extension of the voting rights last year, but you may be able to vote now – but only if you are registered.
“If you’re not currently registered, your name will not appear in the form or letter we send.
If you want to register, the easiest way is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote, or we’ll send you information explaining how to do this in the post.”
“As we carry out this important work to update the electoral register we continue to follow public health guidelines, including respecting social distancing”.
People who have moved recently are particularly encouraged to look out for the canvass communication and check the details. Research by the Electoral Commission, published in 2019, 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.
Across Great Britain, 92% of people who have been at their property for more than sixteen years will be registered, compared to 36% of people who have lived at an address for less than one year.
Rhydian Thomas, Head of the Electoral Commission Wales said, “It doesn’t matter where you were born. If you are aged 16 and over you are able to vote in elections in Wales but only if you register to vote first.
“Checking the messages that you will get from your local authority is the easiest way to see if you’re registered to vote. If you’re not, make sure you provide the necessary information to your local authority when it is needed and register to vote online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.”
Information on registering to vote is available on the Electoral Commission website.
Any residents who have any questions can contact their local registration team on 01978 292020
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