Frequently asked questions

Category » Elections and voting

There were 15 questions found in this category:

1. Can the electoral register be sold?
   You have the choice whether your details are sold to anyone who wants to buy the register. If you do not want your details sold, make sure you put a cross in the relevant column on the form (edited register column) for each person who does not want their information available for sale.
2. Do I include my children?
   Only include children over 16 years old. A date of birth is required for 16 & 17 year olds so that we know when they become eligible to vote.
3. I already have a postal vote but wish to cancel, how do I do that?
   Write a letter to Electoral Services, Canterbury City Council, Military Road, Canterbury, CT1 1YW, saying that you wish to cancel your postal vote. We will acknowledge your application so that you know we have carried out your wishes.
4. I am a foreign national, do I put my name on the form?
   To be included on the register of electors you must be a British citizen, other Commonwealth citizen, citizen of the Republic of Ireland or a citizen of another member state of the European Union
5. I don't wish to vote, should I still register?
   Yes as the register is also used for other purposes. Credit reference agencies use it to check your details when you apply for a credit card, mortgage, mobile phone etc.
6. I have moved address, how do I put my details on the Register of Electors?
   You can phone Electoral Services on 01227 862007 and ask for a registration form or you can download a form from our website.http://www.canterbury.gov.uk/buildpage.php?id=1103
7. I have recently got married/changed my name, what do I do?
   If your name has changed, contact Electoral Services on 01227 862007 and we can send you an alteration form. It will show the current details we hold and you can make the amendments alongside. Alternatively you can download a blank alteration form from our website.http://www.canterbury.gov.uk/bu ...
8. I own two properties, can I register at both addresses?
   You should only register at one address, at the property where you spend most of your time.
9. I would like a postal vote for future elections, how do I apply?
   You can indicate on the register of election form that you would like a postal vote by marking the appropriate box. Alternatively you can download a postal form.http://www.canterbury.gov.uk/buildpage.php?id=1967
10. My son/daughter is away at University, should I put their name on the registration form?
    You can put their name on the form, as students may register at their home address and their term time address but can only vote once at the same election.
11. What is the Register of Electors?
    It is a register of all persons eligible to vote
12. Why do you need the dates of birth of 16/17 year olds?
    This is so that we know when that person becomes 18 years old, as soon as they are 18 they are entitled to vote.
13. Why do you need to know if I am over 70 years old?
    We are required to pass a copy of the register to the Courts so that they can summons people for jury service. People of 70 and over cannot sit on a jury.
14. Why do you want my previous address?
    This is so that we can make sure you are only included on the Register of Electors once at your corect address. Once you are registered at your new address we will write to your previous authority to tell them that you no longer need to be registered at your old address.
15. Why should I fill in a Register of Electors form?
    The registration form allows you to be included on the register of electors, and gives you the right to vote. It is also important as credit reference agencies use the register to check your details when you apply for a credit card, mortgage or mobile phone etc.