Annual Canvass
In August 2021, households in Angus and Perth & Kinross will receive an electoral registration canvass form asking residents to check whether the information that appears on the electoral register for those living at their address is correct. The aim of the form 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 annual canvass is an opportunity for people to check the form whether they are registered and if they are asked to respond then they must do so.
This includes asking for anyone living in the household to register if they are:
- A British or Irish citizen, a qualifying foreign national or European Union citizen – a foreign citizen must be resident in Scotland and either have leave to enter or remain in the UK or not require such leave.
- Aged 14 or older (15 year olds and some 14 year olds are also entitled to be included on the register as ‘attainers’) – you can vote in Scottish Parliamentary or local government elections once you are 16, and can vote in UK Parliamentary elections once you are 18.)
Anyone that wants to vote in an election must be registered.
Canvass Letters, Forms & Data Matching:
Prior to the canvass forms being sent, registered electors will have been data matched against national records held by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Where all registered electors in the household are matched to DWP records those households will be sent an email (where an email address has been provided) setting out the details of the registered electors at that address and they will be asked to respond to confirm if the information is correct, or to inform the Electoral Registration Officer of any changes in the household. Households for which no email address has been provided and households who do not respond to the email they will be sent a canvass letter in August 2021 setting out the details of registered electors. These households will only need to respond to the letter if changes to those details are required.
Households where only some of the electors (or no electors) are matched to DWP records will be sent a canvass form in August 2021 setting out the details of registered electors at that address. These households will be required to respond to the canvass form to confirm the names of the registered electors at that address or to supply the Electoral Registration Officer with the correct details. Householders can respond to the canvass form on-line via the web address provided, or by telephone, text or email, or the form can be posted back in a pre-paid envelope which will be provided. Anyone failing to respond to the canvass form will be sent reminders letters and may receive a telephone call, reminder email or a household visit (subject to Scottish Government health guidance) in an effort to obtain a response.
The Electoral Registration Officer aims to publish the revised register of electors for both Angus and Perth & Kinross on 1 December 2021 although delaying publication can be extended to 1 February 2022.
Any residents who have any questions can contact the Electoral Registration Office in Forfar on 01307 499910, or in Perth at 01738 630303, but please note that due to all staff working from home that you may be asked to leave a voicemail and a contact number. A member of staff will respond to you as soon as practicable.
Angus residents can also email the Electoral Registration Officer at angus@tayside-vjb.gov.uk
Perth & Kinross residents can also email the Electoral Registration Officer at perth@tayside-vjb.gov.uk