Voter registration forms will soon be dropping through letterboxes across Wolverhampton and people are being urged to return theirs as soon as possible to make sure they can vote in next year's local elections.

Around 100 canvassers will be delivering forms to over 111,000 properties across the city from Tuesday (1 October, 2013) in order to compile the electoral register, which has to be updated annually.

Wolverhampton City Council's Senior Elections and Electoral Registration Officer David Garner said: "Registering to vote is very simple. All you have to do is check the information contained on the forms, and amend and update it if necessary so that it includes everyone in your household who is eligible to vote."

If no changes to the form are required, people can confirm their details and request a postal vote or opt out of the Edited Register as required - by using the free telephone service - 0800 197 3646 - or by logging on to the Type=links;Linkid=2649;Title=Registration Service;Target=_blank;.

Forms can also be returned by post, but last year more than 17,000 households confirmed their details either over the phone or online - and the council estimates that if half of the 40,000 or so households who have no changes to report use this service, rather than mailing their forms back, it would save more than £6,000 in postage.

If additions or changes are required, people should complete the form and send it back in the freepost envelope supplied.

David added: "Some people may not realise that they have to register every year. It is important that you complete and return the registration form so you're able to take part in the local council and European Parliament elections on 22 May, 2014."

The forms are due to be delivered to households across the city by Monday 21 October, 2013. Any households who haven't received their form by this time is asked to call the Electoral Registration Office on 01902 551177 or print one off at Type=links;Linkid=2650;Title=About my vote;Target=_blank;.

  • released: Friday 27 September, 2013