Make sure you are entitled to vote – annual canvass 2020

Don’t lose your voice - residents in Horsham District are being urged to look out for their voter registration details from Horsham District Council.

Local residents are being warned not to lose their voice on decisions that affect them by making sure their electoral registration details are up to date.

With elections taking place in Horsham District in May 2021, this is an important opportunity for residents to make sure they can take part.

The annual canvass ensures that Horsham District Council can keep the electoral register up to date, identifying any residents who are not registered so that they can be encouraged to do so. They would then be able take part in any future elections.

“It’s important that residents look out for messages from the Council, so we can make sure we have the right details on the electoral register for every address in the Horsham District.

If you’re not currently registered, your name will not appear in the messages 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.

This year’s canvass, which we have to carry out by law, is taking place during a challenging public health situation. We are working to ensure that we take account of public health guidelines, including the continued importance of social distancing.”

Electoral Registration Officer at Horsham District Council Glen Chipp

By completing the registration process, residents will ensure that they can vote in future elections, the earliest being the Police Crime Commissioner and West Sussex County Council elections which are being held on Thursday 6th May 2021.

People who have moved recently are particularly encouraged to look out for the voter registration messages 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. 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.

Any residents who have any questions can visit the Council's website or call our Elections Manager Claire Hawken on 01403 215562.