Get the X-factor: Register to vote!

AROUND 18,500 reminder forms are about to drop through letterboxes across the High Peak as part of the Borough Council’s drive to ensure that residents do not lose their right to vote.

To coincide with the big push, High Peak Mayor Pat Jenner has urged householders to follow his lead by completing and returning their electoral registration form as soon as possible.

The borough’s first citizen warned that people who failed to return their form – or register in one of the other ways - would be unable to vote in the first ever Police Commissioner Elections on Thursday, November 15 or any elections taking place next year.

The council is sending reminder forms to households to keep the Electoral Register up to date. Anyone who has not received a form by the end of August should contact the electoral registration office on 0845 129 7777 or print one off at www.aboutmyvote.co.uk.

Cllr Jenner said: “Speaking from personal experience, I can reassure households that registering to vote is very simple. All you have to do is update the annual canvass form with the details of everyone in your household who is eligible to vote and return it to the council as quickly as you can.

“And if your details haven’t changed, you can reply by ‘phone or Internet – meaning that the whole process takes just moments.

“Although there are no local elections scheduled for High Peak next year, we can’t rule out the possibility of a by-election at some stage. And, before then, there is the certainty of history being made in November when Police Commission Elections are held for the first time.

“It’s really important that you complete and return the registration form so you’re able to take part in any elections that may be held”, he explained.

Residents completing the electoral registration form can opt to have their details excluded from the edited register. This means their details cannot be bought by individuals and commercial organisations.

For more information, call the electoral registration office on 0845 129 7777.