The Electoral Registration Officer is required by law to carry out a household canvass each year to find out who is eligible to vote at every address in Dumfries and Galloway. This year the canvass starts w/c 21st September.
When households receive their canvass communication it is essential that residents check the details to ensure they are correct and advise us of any changes as soon as possible. Some of the forms sent will require a response even if the information we hold is correct so please follow the instructions given.
All Foreign Nationals ware now eligible to vote in Local Government and Scottish Parliamentary Elections providing they have leave to remain in Scotland.
The Reformed Canvass process allows the Electoral Registration Officer some flexibility in follow up activities to non-responding households. Whilst the requirement to make a personal canvass visit has not been removed, we will predominantly be making contact by telephone where we hold a telephone number. We are required by law to send reminder letters and make these calls so if you receive a form which indicates you need to respond even if the details are correct please do so promptly using our telephone or e-mail options to help reduce unnecessary postage costs.
If you would prefer to vote by post in future elections, please request a postal vote when responding to the form we send you. A postal vote application form will then be sent to you and all you need to do is complete and sign it and return it to us. You can then vote from home in future.
Jim Doig, Electoral Registration Officer at Dumfries and Galloway Council said;
“It’s important that residents respond as soon as possible, so we can make sure we have the right details on the electoral register for every address in Dumfries and Galloway. To make sure you have your say at elections, simply check the form when it arrives and respond as soon as you can. If you’re not currently registered, your name will not appear on the form. If you want to register, the easiest way is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.”
