PEOPLE in the Bradford district have been urged to make sure their electoral registration details are up to date.

The annual canvass ensures that Bradford Council can keep the electoral register up to date, identifying any residents who are not registered to vote so that they can be encouraged to do so.

Kersten England, Electoral Registration and Returning Officer for Bradford district said: “It’s important that residents look out for messages from Bradford Council so we can make sure we have the right details on the electoral register for every address in the district.

“To make sure you are able to have your say at elections taking place in the future, simply follow the instructions on the form we will send to you.

“If there’s a change to your household information or you’ve been asked to respond, we urge you to do this as soon as possible either online, by mail or by phone.”

If you’re not currently registered, the easiest way to register is online at gov.uk/register-to-vote, or by telephone on 01274 432287 and it only takes a few minutes. You’ll need your national insurance number and date of birth.

People who have moved recently are particularly encouraged to look out for the voter registration messages from Bradford Council and check the details. Research by the Electoral Commission, published in 2019, indicates that recent home movers are far less likely to be registered than those who have lived at the same address for a long time.

Across Great Britain, 92 per cent of people who have been at their property for more than sixteen years will be registered, compared to 36% of people who have lived at an address for less than one year.

Melanie Davidson, Head of Support and Improvement at the Electoral Commission, said: “It’s really important that everyone who is entitled to vote is able to do so. Checking the messages that you will get from your local authority is the easiest way to see if you’re registered to vote. If you’re not, make sure you provide the necessary information to your local authority when it is needed and register to vote online at https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote Information on registering to vote is available on the Electoral Commission website.

Any residents who have any questions can contact their local registration team by calling 01274 432287 or by email electoralservices@bradford.gov.uk