What is the annual canvass?
Each year the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) must conduct an annual canvass 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 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 were 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 people receive this summer will depend on whether or not records indicate that there has been a change in the registered voters living at their property – for instance, if a registered voter has moved into a property that address will receive a different letter from a home whose occupants have remained the same since the last election.
Each letter explains if a response is required, and the methods detailing how to respond. It is very important that it is read carefully to ensure the information which we hold is accurate.
If you are required to respond, please help us to save time and money by responding online at www.HouseholdResponse.com/SouthAndVale as quickly as possible, using the security codes printed on the form. You can also respond by telephone, email, or by posting the form back to us if you cannot use any other response method.
If we do not receive the required response, 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.
If you have questions about the annual canvass or the canvass communication you receive, please contact our Elections team.
Contact us - Electoral services
01235 422528
(Text phone users add 18001 before dialing)
South Oxfordshire District Council
Abbey House
Abbey Close
Abingdon
OX14 3JE
