Don't lose your vote - Great Yarmouth residents urged to check registration details

Letters asking residents to confirm eligible people living at each property will be sent out in batches throughout September, October and November 2022.

The annual canvass allows the Council to keep the electoral register up to date, to identify who risks losing their voice at elections, and to encourage them to register before it's too late.

With elections taking place for Great Yarmouth Borough Council in May 2023, this is an opportunity for residents to make sure they can take part.

Electoral services manager Denise Wilby said: "Please keep an eye out for a letter from the Council over the next few weeks. The annual canvass is our way of making sure that the information on the electoral register for every address is accurate. To make sure you don't lose your say at the next election, look out for instructions from us.

"If you don't hear from the council, you might not be on the register. If you want to register, the easiest way is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote"

Recent home movers in particular are urged to check their details. Electoral Commission research has found that recent home movers are less likely to be registered than those who have lived at the same address for a long time. In Great Britain, 92% of those who have lived in their home for 16 years will be registered, compared with 36% of people who have lived at an address for less than a year.

Melanie Davidson, head of support and improvement at the Electoral Commission, said: "It's really important that everyone who is eligible to vote is able to do so. We urge people to look out for updates from their local council on this year's canvass."

Information on registering to vote is available on the Electoral Commission website.

Residents with questions about their registration status can contact Great Yarmouth Borough Council's electoral services team by emailing elections@great-yarmouth.gov.uk or calling 01493 846327.