Estimated 13,600-plus Households in Reading Still Not Responded to the Annual Canvass

MORE than 13,600 households in Reading have still not responded to Electoral Services Annual Canvass. 

Residents are now being asked to look out for final reminder canvass forms being sent out by the Council this week.

Three phases of reminders have already been sent to Reading households since the summer.

Missing responses mean some residents may be registered at the wrong addresses and some risk not being able to vote in the Local and Police and Crime Commissioner Elections, which take place in May 2024. A UK Parliamentary Election must also take place by January 2025.

The letters being sent out this week is the final phase of the Council’s drive to get as many people on the electoral register as possible. Where no response is received, the Council will have to resort to telephone canvassing, which costs the local authority and the Reading council tax payer money.

Residents must respond to the letters by 30 November in time for the new register to be published on 1 December. People who have moved recently are particularly encouraged to look out for the voter registration messages from Reading Borough Council and check the details.

Households are also being reminded to add any 16 and 17-year-olds living at the property as they can register and vote when they turn 18.

The quickest and easiest way to reply to the final reminder is online by following the details given in the letter. Alternatively, please check the details on the Canvass Form and update the information if necessary and return the form in the pre-paid envelope provided.

In addition to responding to the Annual Canvass Form, residents not registered can do so online at https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or the Council can send residents information explaining how to do this in the post if they call 0118 937 3717 or email Elections@reading.gov.uk