DON’T forget to register to vote ? it?s easier than ever is the message from South Oxfordshire District Council. The council has been working trying to make sure that all eligible residents are on the electoral register in preparation for the district and parish elections, and a possible referendum, which will take place next May, 2011.
The council has sent forms to every household in the district to compile a new electoral register. Registration is quick and easy. If people?s details are the same as the previous year?s they can let us know online, by text or by free phone, so there?s no need to post a paper version. If there are changes, however, the form needs to be altered and posted back.
A common misconception is that if you notified us last year you don?t need to this year. Unfortunately the information cannot be used again, so households need to let us know each year even if their details haven?t changed. Contrary to popular belief, people are also not automatically registered even if they pay council tax. Registering is particularly important for anyone who has recently moved home.
By completing and returning the form South Oxfordshire residents will make sure they can have their say on how council services are run in the future.
David Buckle, Returning Officer for South Oxfordshire District Council, says: ?Voting is the only way residents can choose the people making decisions that affect their everyday lives, but they can only do this if they?re registered. Registration is happening now and is very simple. If your circumstances haven’t changed since the previous year you don’t even need to fill in a paper form. You can let us know over the internet, by free phone or SMS. If there are changes, however, the form needs to be altered and posted back.
?There are district council elections next May ? and the potential for voting reform referendum, so by registering to vote people are securing their voice in deciding who will represent them in South Oxfordshire and ultimately how the council will be run in the future. Another really important reason to register to vote, particularly in this current economic climate, is it can affect people?s credit ratings.
?Latest figures show that about 18,386 households still have not returned their forms. Registering in the next few weeks will save the council about
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