Householders in Pembrokeshire are being urged to fill-in their Electoral Registration forms which will shortly be arriving through letterboxes.
And this year it has never been easier to respond.
In addition to returning the registration form by post, you can register to vote by telephone, internet or, for the first time, by text – provided there are no changes to details on your registration form.
If there are changes – or you do not wish, or are unable, to register by phone or the internet – you can still register by post by using the pre-paid envelope.
To register by telephone after receiving your form, just ring the freephone service 0808 161 7647 (English) or 0808 161 7547 (Welsh) and enter your ten figure unique reference number which is located on the registration form.
To register by text, text the ten digit unique reference number located on the registration form to 07624 802252.
To use the internet service log onto: www.register-online.co.uk (English) or www.register-online.co.uk/cymraeg (Welsh) making use of your eight character password. This is also located on the registration form.
Once you have registered by telephone, the internet or by text, you do not need to sign or return the form – it’s that simple.
Said Pembrokeshire County Council’s Electoral Registration Officer, Bryn Parry-Jones: “The benefits of using the telephone, the internet or text to register are that it is quick, easy and convenient. These methods will also save the Authority money in postage costs.
“It is important for householders to register as there will be a referendum on extended powers for the National Assembly next March and National Assembly for Wales elections, possibly combined with a referendum on the Alternative Vote electoral system, next May.
“Failing to register could leave you unable to vote. There may also be local government by-elections called at any time during the next twelve months.”
Furthermore, it is a legal requirement to register each year so that the correct details are listed in the Register of Electors.
Besides leaving you unable to vote, not appearing on the Register could also adversely affect your credit rating, making it harder to apply for a loan or mortgage.
Electoral Registration forms will be sent out during the week commencing 23rd August, via the Royal Mail. Should you have any general queries about electoral registration, call the helpline on 01437 775844.
