Ref: PR1955
Date: 13/10/08

Some Wakefield residents will be visited by canvassers in the next two weeks to make sure they maintain their right to vote.

The canvassers from Wakefield Council will visit people who have not already sent in a completed registration form. The form makes sure electoral register details are up to date.

Reminders have already been sent to people who have not completed and returned a form to be included in the Register of Electors but many remain outstanding. The information from the collected forms will be included in the electoral register to be published on 1 December 2008.

People who do not register could also have problems if they try to open a bank account or obtain credit.

Christine Mason, Electoral Services Manager for the council, said that the teams of canvassers were doing a vital job, which could end up doing residents a big favour.

"What people don't always realise is that there can be other adverse effects as well as the obvious one of not being able to vote. Anyone not registered may also find it difficult to open a bank account or obtain credit as banks, building societies and loan companies use the register to verify the address of applicants" she said.

She urged anyone who has not already completed a form to cooperate with the canvassers over the coming days in order that legal requirements are met.

Anyone who is not registered, or who would like further information, can contact the electoral services office on 01924 305023, by emailing elections@wakefield.gov.uk or by clicking on 'Contact Electoral Services' under related links.

ENDS