Thousands urged to register to vote

As part of annual canvass, the 112,614 households in Swansea have received a form asking residents to check whether the information which appears on the Electoral Register for that address is correct. Reminder forms have also been sent.

But more than 42 per cent of households have failed to respond despite it being easy to do either by mail, phone or online.

Canvassers will now be visiting those properties in the coming weeks to encourage people to return the form and offer any assistance needed.

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.

The new Electoral Register will come into use on December 1, so residents will need to respond by confirming or correcting details by November.

With important National Assembly of Wales and Police and Crime Commissioner elections taking place on May 5 next year, this is an early opportunity for residents to make sure that they will be able to take part.

Not appearing on the Electoral Register may have a negative effect on your credit score, which is used when buying some items, such as mobile phones, or when opening a bank account.

Alison O’Hara, Swansea Council’s Electoral Services Team Leader, 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 form when it arrives and return it as promptly as possible.

“If you’re not currently registered, we’ll send information explaining how to do this, or you can submit an application to register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

“It’s particularly important that anyone who has moved address recently looks out for this information to ensure that they are registered.”