Voter registration gets easier

11:17am Tuesday 19th August 2008

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It is set to be easier than ever for Richmond residents to register to vote when new telephone and internet facilities are launched this week.

Richmond Council is distributing compulsory household registration forms to more than 81,000 houses, flats, bedsits, houseboats and caravans and the authority is offering the new services for those who wish to re-register without amending any details.

To do so residents need to call a free phone number or log on to richmond.gov.uk and use the unique security code provided on their form.

All households must return their forms and any wishing to amend details must complete the paper copy and return it by free post to the Electoral Services Office.

Failure to do so will result in a visit from council officers who would be required to collect the information in person and refusal to register or deliberately giving false information can result in a fine of up to £1,000.

Electoral registration officer for Richmond Council Gillian Norton said: “This information is used to publish an accurate and up to date electoral roll.

“It is essential that residents register to protect their right to vote.

“The council is obliged by law to allow credit reference firms to use this data, so this does mean not registering can affect personal credit ratings.

“Residents can tick a box to opt out of the edited electoral roll, the only register that other organisations can buy.”

Residents who do not receive a form by September, need help filling it out or would like to receive information in Braille, large print, audio tape or in a community language should contact the electoral helpline on 020 8891 7775 or electoral.services@richmond.gov.uk.