At the beginning of August just over 63,000 electoral registration forms were sent to every household within Pembrokeshire asking residents to check whether the information that appears on the electoral register for that address was correct.
By the end of August only half of the electoral registration forms had been responded to.
In the first week of September reminder electoral registration forms will be sent to those households that have not responded. If households have not responded following the original form they are requested to respond to the reminder.
Failure to respond to this form will incur a visit by a canvasser to collect the information at extra cost when the local authority is trying to save money.
It has never been easier to confirm your details as this can now be done online, by telephone, text or returning the form in the envelope that will be provided.
The aim is to ensure that the electoral register is up to date, and to identify any residents who are not registered so that they can be encouraged to do so.
Local council elections will take place in May, 2017, and this is an opportunity for residents to make sure that they will be able to take part.
If you are not on the electoral register you cannot vote at any election or by-election. It may also affect your credit score and ability to get a mortgage, loan, mobile phone contract or other credit facilities.
Ian Westley, Electoral Registration Officer at Pembrokeshire County Council said: “Anyone who wants to vote must be registered. To make sure you are able to have your say at the elections next year, simply check the reminder form when it arrives and respond as promptly as possible.
“It’s particularly important that anyone who has moved address recently looks out for this information to ensure that they are registered.”
The electoral registration form also allows residents to opt to have their details excluded from the open register. This will mean their details cannot be bought by individuals and commercial organisations.
Anyone who has any questions should call the helpline on 01437 775844 or email: electoralservices@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
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