What is the annual canvass?
The Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) has a statutory obligation to conduct an annual canvass every year to ensure the Electoral Register is accurate and complete. The way we carry out the annual canvass was reformed in 2020.
The annual canvass starts in July and will run until November. The revised electoral register will typically be published on 1 December.
How does the new canvass work?
Electoral Register data is sent securely to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) database to be matched. Electors’ names and address are matched against National Insurance details and the information held by the DWP.
The results of the data match will determine how we contact you and the response required for the annual canvass.
The communication methods
The letter or email you will receive will depend on whether or not our records indicate that there has been a change in the registered voters living at your property.
For example, if a new person has moved into a property and registered there, that address will receive a different letter from a home whose occupants have remained the same since the last election.
It is very important that you read your letter or email carefully to ensure the information we hold is accurate and to check whether you need to respond or not.
If you need to make any changes and/or a response is required for your property, please use the two-part security code printed on your letter to respond online at www.HouseholdResponse.com/SouthAndVale as quickly as possible.
You can also respond by telephone, email, or by posting the form back to us if you cannot use any other response method.
If you have questions about the annual canvass or any of the forms please contact the Elections team.
What happens if I don’t respond?
If a response is required from your household and we do not receive anything following our initial contact, we will make every attempt to get a response from you.
This may be via reminder forms, emails, a telephone call, or a visit to your property. It is a legal requirement under Regulation 23 of The Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001 to respond if you have been asked to.
Contact us - Electoral services
01235 422422
(Text phone users add 18001 before dialing)
South Oxfordshire District Council
Abbey House
Abbey Close
Abingdon
OX14 3JE
