Electoral registration system is changing this summer

All Bury residents will receive a letter this summer telling them about the biggest change to the electoral registration system in nearly 100 years.

The letter will explain that a new, more secure, system of Individual Electoral Registration is being introduced to replace the old Victorian system where the ‘head of household’ registered everyone living in a property. Now, each individual will be responsible for registering themselves.

Many Bury residents will automatically move onto the new electoral register. However, some will need to take action to join or remain on it, which they will now also be able to do for the first time by registering online.

Mike Kelly, Bury’s electoral registration officer, said: “Bury residents will receive a letter by the end of July that will explain the change to the electoral registration system. Look out for the letter, as it will tell
you if you have been automatically transferred to the new register or not. If you have not been transferred, you will need to provide some more information and the letter will tell you exactly what you need to do.”

To see how online registration works, go to www.Ow.ly/xUUOj  

Meanwhile, the online registration service can be found at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

Samantha Mills, head of campaigns at the Electoral Commission, said: “This summer the Electoral Commission will launch a major advertising campaign that will raise awareness of the change to Individual Electoral Registration. We welcome this change, which will lead to a more secure register and replace the outdated Victorian concept that a single ‘head of household’ is responsible for registering everyone.”

For more information, visit www.gov.uk/yourvotematters

If you do not receive a letter, call Bury elections team on 0161 253 5252 or email electionservices@bury.gov.uk

ENDS

Press release issued: 17 June 2014.