Last few days for inclusion on electoral register

Residents in Plymouth have one week remaining to get their electoral registration forms returned to ensure there are included on the Electoral Register.

Everyone that is registered before Friday 7 February will be included on the Electoral Register, which is due to be published on Monday 17 February. Although the register is published once a year residents can register to vote all year round.

Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Peter Smith said: “Plymouth is a place where people can have a say about what is important to them and we encourage everyone to register.

“It is important to stress that, although credit checking has nothing to do with the Council, it is this register that creditors check against before agreeing mortgages, loans or even mobile phone contracts therefore it pays to be listed.

“If you do however miss the deadline you can still register to vote up until 6 May 2014 to qualify for this year’s local and European parliamentary elections.”

Over 115,000 voter registration forms were sent out across the city in October last year and so far 95,000 have been returned. Canvassers have also been visiting households to get as many people included on the Register.

Completing the registration form is easy. Residents who have no changes to make can confirm their details at any time up until midnight on the 7 February on an automated phone line. This can also be done on the Council’s website. If you still live at the same address and with the same people as last year you can just call Freephone 08082841425 or visit the Plymouth electoral registration website. More than 12,000 households used this service last year.

If you have recently moved or there have been changes to the people living with you, you will need to complete the form with your amendments as usual.

Students studying away from home, at university or college, can register in their home town as well in Plymouth as long as they do not vote twice.

Anyone who has not received a voter registration form or requires another one should contact the Council’s electoral registration service on 01752 304866 or 304936. Forms are also available from the Civic Centre reception or by visiting our electoral page.

The 2014 local elections will be held on Thursday 22 May.