Annual canvass for Register of Electors

What is the annual canvass?

Every autumn, by law, the Electoral Registration Officer prepares a revised register of electors that is published on 1 December. The only way the Council can ensure that they have correct and up-to-date information is by delivering a registration form to every address in the borough.

The form is pre-printed with the names of the electors currently on the register of electors at your address.  When you receive your form, you need to check the details and make any amendments if necessary. 

Every household must return a completed form. To save money the form will only be collected if you have not returned it by 15 October. Failure to return the form could lead to a fine of up to £1,000. You may also find it difficult to obtain credit for a loan or mortgage. If you are not on the register of electors you will be unable to vote in future elections.

If the form is correct you can confirm your details by phone, internet or text using the security codes on your form.

If you have to make changes or to add or remove people then the instructions are to return it by post, in person to the Civic centre or to fax it. They have not mentioned that you can scan the amended form and send it as an email attachment to electoral@bromley.gov.uk

The register of electors is separate from other Council records, so, for example, being registered for council tax does not automatically put you on the register of electors. If you are eligible to vote make sure your name is included on the register of electors.