Annual Canvass FAQ

Why have you sent me this form?
Every Autumn we send a form to each household in Dudley Metropolitan Borough to collect up to date information to help us produce the Register of Electors for the following year.

I have just received a reminder form but I have already returned the original
Please return this form it could be that Electoral Services have already received your original or it may have been delayed in the post.

How do I return my form?
You can register by telephone, internet, text or simply make any required amendments to the form, sign part 4 and return by post in the envelope provided. Please also see the document instructions on registering to vote.

I pay my council tax you have my details already, do I need to fill in this form?
Yes, Council Tax and Electoral Registration are separate databases. The form is used to compile the Register of Electors only.

My name is not on the form, what should I do?
Complete the form by adding your details and any one else’s in the house who is eligible to Register.

The people on the form don’t live here any more, what should I do?
Cross out their details and enter your own if you are eligible to Register.

I am moving out of the property on or before 15th October what should I do?
Leave the form at the property for the new people to fill in. There should be a form in your new home. If not contact Electoral Services on 01384 814740 or email elections.cexec@dudley.gov.uk.

I am moving but I am not sure whether this will be before or after 15th October what should I do?
Hang on to the form until you have confirmation of when you will be moving, if you are moving before 15th October leave the form for the new residents and ensure you complete a form from your new address if there is not one at the property contact Electoral Services on 01384 814740 or email elections.cexec@dudley.gov.uk. If you are moving after 15th October return the form and then contact Electoral Services when you do move rolling registration forms can then be sent.

I have just moved but I completed the form at my old property, I have now received a form at my new address do I need to complete this?
Yes you need to complete the new form, however please contact Electoral Services on 01384 814740 or email elections.cexec@dudley.gov.uk for further advice before doing so.

I do not wish my details to appear on the register I believe my safety and that of other members of my household would be at risk.
Complete the form stating this information, Electoral Services will then send you the correct form to complete if they feel you meet the correct criteria to be registered anonymously.

I have lost/destroyed my form, can I have another one?
Yes please contact Electoral Services on 01384 814740 or email elections.cexec@dudley.gov.uk and request a replacement form.

I have registered using the telephone/internet registration services but I now need to make an amendment to the details what should I do?
If you still have the form please return in the envelope provided making any necessary amendments and remembering to sign part 4, if you no longer have the form please contact Electoral Services on 01384 814740 or email elections.cexec@dudley.gov.uk.

My son/daughter is 16/17 do I need to put them on the form?
Yes, add their details in Section 2 of the form and include their date of birth, they will not be able to vote until they are 18.

The qualifying date for registration is 15th October 2008 do I wait until then to return my form?
No please return your form as quickly as possible to save expense, if no response to the initial form is received reminder forms will be sent and then a representative from the council will need to call.

I am not British, do I need to Register?
Complete and return the form remembering to state your nationality, Electoral Services will then check and if you are not eligible to be included you will be informed in writing. Please also see the listing of commonwealth countries.

I will be away from home on 15th October do I still need to complete the form?
Yes if you are away from your home temporarily and the address on the form is your main residence, you must still complete the form.

I only rent my property, do I need to register?
Yes you need to be registered in order to be able to vote.

I own two properties one here and one in another borough, can I complete both forms?
The registration form should be completed for the address which is classed as your main residence ie where you spend most of your time, however it is not illegal to be registered twice but it is illegal to vote twice in the same election.

I don’t vote so why do I have to register?
It is a legal requirement to Register. Credit Referencing agencies use the register to prove residency, even though you may not wish to vote you may experience difficulties in obtaining credit or opening bank accounts if your name is not included on the Register.

Why do you want to know if I am over 70?
This information is required by the Jury Summoning Service. Once you reach 70 years of age you are not summoned for jury service.