Annual Canvass
Each year, by law, between July and November we are required to contact every residential property in Rossendale.
All the data from the electoral register is sent for data matching against records held by the Department for Work and Pensions. Following this, each property is allocated a route that we have to follow. The majority of properties are classed as route 1 which means we are required to issue a letter advising who is currently registered, no response is required for these unless there are changes to be made. We also issue emails to people in route 1 properties who have previously supplied their email address to us, if we don't receive a response then letters will be issued at a later date. We would really appreciate a response to these emails to save money by not having to issue letters.
People in route 2 properties will also receive a letter but they will be required to respond even if all the information is correct. It is important that you respond if the letter you receive states that you need to (even if you have registered individually or if there are no changes to make) as it is used to record all the people living at the property to ensure anyone who is eligible to vote is actually registered, and to avoid reminder forms being sent.
No changes to the information printed on the letter
If the names pre-printed are correct and no new names or amendments need to be made you can use the security codes printed on the form and respond online, or by telephone by either:
- visiting https://www.householdresponse.com/rossendale or
- calling 0800 8840701 or
- texting NOCHANGE followed by both parts of your security code to 80212 (standard charges apply)
These services open in July each year close at the end of November.
Changes to the information
Use the security codes printed on the letter to change and update the details online. The form is used to tell us who should be registered at the property and is not a registration form. Once the online response has been completed, each new person will receive an invitation to register. To do this, please go to the Register to Vote website and complete the online form. You will need your date of birth and national insurance number. Registering to vote means you have a right to vote in elections and can also improve your credit rating.
If you have lost your form or cannot access the online services
You can contact the Elections Office on 01706 252445 to confirm the details of who should be registered at the property. If anyone new is to be added you will need to provide the date of birth and national insurance number for each new individual.
Rob Huntington, Electoral Registration Officer for Rossendale Borough Council said:
"It's important that residents respond as soon as possible so we can make sure we have the right details on the electoral register for every address in Rossendale. To make sure you are able to have your say at local elections taking place next year, simply check the form when it arrives and respond as soon as you can. If you're not currently registered, your name will not appear on the form."
People who have moved address recently are particulary encouraged to keep an eye out for the letters and check the details.
How we may use your data
Our privacy notice can be viewed here Electoral Services Privacy Notice