Swansea residents are being reminded to check and return their electoral registration forms.
More than 109,000 forms have now been delivered to homes across the city and county and they have to be returned by law.
Households that have not returned by October 15 can expect an appointed canvasser knocking doors to get the required information.
The aim is to ensure Swansea’s electoral register is up to date and that everyone eligible has the right to vote.
If residents don’t have their details included on the electoral roll then they lose out on the vital opportunity to vote in any election or referendum called in next 12 months.
And this is the electoral role that will enable people to vote for their preferred candidate in the National Assembly Elections in May 2011.
Mandy Bebb, Swansea Council Electoral Registration Officer, said: “You have to be on the register to be able to vote in local, national and European elections as well as any national referendums which may be called by government. It’s a legal requirement that residents respond to the form.
“You may think you don’t want to vote now but if an issue comes up that you want to have your say on and you’re not on the register then you’ll have no chance to vote on it.”
All adults eligible to vote in each household should be registered on the form. Any 16 and 17-year-olds should also be included even though they will only be able to vote if they turn 18 by polling day.
Completing the form is easy as most people’s information will already be pre-printed correctly on the form when it arrives.
Changes to details listed on the forms should be completed as soon as possible and returned in the pre-paid envelope provided.
Households whose details are unchanged from last year can use a new free text service or the automated phone service. They can also register online.
The responsible adult in the household can confirm existing details in minutes by calling 0800 1072015 and keying in the special two-part security code printed on the registration form.
The website is www.registerbyinternet.com/swansea and the free phone, text and internet services are available 24/7.
Anyone needing further information about elections or the electoral register can call Swansea’s Electoral Services Team on 01792 636042 or go to the Council’s website at www.swansea.gov.uk/elections
