Are You Risking Your Right to Vote?

Thousands of people in North Norfolk risk losing their right to vote at any election or referendum next year because they have not yet completed and returned their forms for the next full edition of the register of the electors.

The canvass for the register began in September when forms were delivered to the District's 50,000 homes. By Friday 4 October, only 44,000 or so households had responded. While this marks an improvement on the response level at the same time last year, it still leaves a significant number yet to be received.

"Elections give us the only real opportunity we have to influence the way we are governed," said Martin Austin, North Norfolk District Council's Head of Democratic Services, who has been involved in compiling the District's annual register for several years. "But in every election there are always a few people who arrive at a polling station eager to vote, and find they are not on the roll and, therefore, not eligible to do so. They could save themselves the embarrassment and frustration of 'not having a voice' by simply filling in the form and returning it on time."

Mr Austin added that, as well as risking disenfranchisement, voters who refused to register could face legal action. In addition, those failing to register could find it difficult to obtain credit, since most banks and building societies require evidence of residence when considering loans applications and will often employ accredited agencies to check a name against the register of electors.

Also, for the first time this year, electors have the opportunity to opt out of the edited version of the register which will be available for any organisation or individual to purchase

However, the good news for people who have not yet returned their forms is that they still have a few days in which to do so. The canvassers responsible for compiling the register have until the end of October to complete their work, but, rather than wait for canvassers to call at their homes, residents are advised to post their forms to the Council without further delay.

The revised register will be published for public inspection on 1 December when copies of it will be placed in District Council offices.

For more information about the register of electors, telephone Martin Austin on (01263) 516012.