Kirklees Together

At some point over the next few weeks, you will receive an important letter from Kirklees Council in the post.

This is the annual household canvass form, which is sent to ensure that we can keep the electoral register up to date. This form helps us to identify any residents who are not yet registered to vote so that they can be encouraged to register.

The letter you will be sent will include details of all the people in the household who are currently registered to vote at your address.

The government has made some changes to the canvass this year and now you only have to respond if:

• The form tells you to do so
• you need to make any changes, additions or deletions to the information provided

You must read your letter to check whether you need to respond or not. If you need to make any changes, including adding names, deleting names, or any other alterations to the form, then you must let us know.

The canvass has to be carried out by law and the coronavirus pandemic does not change this. Telling us about any changes as soon as possible, saves the Council money and helps prevent the need to send out costly reminders, or to make any other personal contact with you about your registration details.

If you need to make any changes

Please follow the instructions on the form about how to respond.

If you do not have your form to hand, if you have lost it or if you have any further questions you can call us on 01484 221650 (between 8.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday).

Please remember that adding a new name to the form does not automatically register that individual on the electoral register. As well as responding to the form, they must also register to vote online or complete an Invitation to Register form.

Why is this important?

Kirklees Council Chief Executive and Electoral Registration Officer Jacqui Gedman said:

“It is extremely important that all residents read their canvass form carefully when it arrives in the post, and respond if they need to.

“The Household Canvass is a legal requirement for the Council to undertake and it has to be carried out each year.  It helps us ensure that the details on the electoral register are correct and that as many eligible people as possible are registered to vote.

“With multiple elections scheduled for next year, now is an important time to make sure you don’t lose your vote, by checking the information on the form and following the instructions.”