Council and democracy

Annual voter canvass

Every year, by law, we prepare a new and accurate register of electors. The only way we can get correct, up-to-date information is by sending out a registration form to every household in the borough. All eligible residents at that property should use this form. We do not consult the records of other council departments. So, for example, being registered for the council tax does not automatically put you on the register of electors.

If you are eligible to vote make sure that your name is included on the electoral register.

We are now preparing a new register of electors, which will form the basis for voting at the European Parliamentary elections to be held on 4 June 2009. 

Important News

We will not be publishing monthly updates in October, November or December as individual rolling registration is suspended for the annual canvass. The final monthly update of 2008 will be published on 1 September and is based on individual voter registration forms returned by Friday 8 August. 

The annual canvass begins in August and every household in Croydon will receive its annual household electoral registration form. We wil publish a new register of electors on 1 December 2008, based on the information included on the electoral registration forms returned during the canvass period.

There are three stages to the annual registration audit:

Stage 1 - registration form:

We will deliver registration forms to every property in the borough during the week commencing 8 August. The occupants must complete and return the form for their address, listing all eligible electors living there. It is a legal requirement to complete the registration form even if there is no change to the information currently on the electoral register for the address. Failure to register to vote or deliberately giving false information could lead to a fine of up to £1,000. If there are no changes to the information on the registration form residents can use the telephone or internet confirmation services. Instructions on using these services are enclosed with the registration form.

Stage 2 - reminder form:

If no response has been received by 3 September (either by post, phone or online services) we will send out a reminder form during the week commencing 10 September.

Stage 3 - personal visits:

If there is still no response by 25 September, we will make personal visits to all non-responding properties during October to get the required information.
 
If you wish to be added to the electoral register between 9 August and 30 November, you must do so by completing the household registration form sent to your address. It will be in an envelope marked with "Voter Registration Form" and it will be addressed to "The Present Occupier".

If you have received this form, please check the details, add your name and the names of anyone else who is eligible to vote at your address, remove previous occupiers and return it to us. If you haven't received a registration form or if you have any queries about completing your form or about electoral registration in general please contact Electoral Services (details below).

The information gathered from the forms, telephone and internet confirmation services and personal visits is then used to compile the revised electoral register. The monthly register updates will begin again following publication of the electoral register on 1 December. This process is called rolling registration.

Changes

Changes to the information on the form can only be made in writing. They cannot be made by phone or online. You can return your amended form in the envelope provided. To remove an elector, simply cross through their name on the form and initial.

No changes

You can re-register by phone or the internet.

• telephone: 0800 197 4419
  
  You can use this option if there are no changes to the information on the form other than excluding or re-instating names from the edited register. You must use a touchtone phone. Our freephone number is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week during the canvass period.

• internet: www.registerbyinternet.com/croydon
  
  You can use this option if there are no changes to be made to the information on the form (see associated link at right). You must enter the two parts of your security code. For extra security please enter your postcode, as printed on your form, and the name of the person giving this information.   

The re-registration by telephone and internet facility will be available until 27 November 2008.

Personal canvassers

We employ personal canvassers to visit all properties in the borough that do not respond to the initial forms. The personal canvass will take place between Friday 5 October and Monday 3 November 2008. Please return your form promptly to avoid a canvasser calling at your home.

Contact Details

Contact name

Electoral Services

Telephone

020 8726 6300

Fax

020 8407 1308

Email

electoral.services@croydon.gov.uk

Address

Electoral Services
The Town Hall
Katharine Street
Croydon
CR9 1DE

Office hours are 8.45am to 5.15pm.