The Council is legally obliged to send forms out to every household every year to make sure that the correct information is on the Electoral Register. Even if you have only recently registered we need to know whether anyone else should also be on the register at this address. People have to apply to be registered separately from any other Council records e.g. Council Tax.
Emails and canvass forms for the annual canvass are delivered from July. Please ensure you check the forms and respond where required as soon as you can. Canvassers may telephone or call at your property where no response has been received if required from September till October.
Please note that emails for the annual canvass will be sent from
(Milton Keynes Electoral Services) milton.keynes.electoral.services@notifications.service.gov.uk
SMS messages are also sent from the Council in regards to the Annual Canvass.
What is the Annual Canvass of the Electoral Register
Emails and canvass forms are sent to every household giving details of what information is currently held on the Electoral Register at that property. Occupiers are required to check the information and confirm that it is correct or make any changes that are necessary so that a revised register can be published on 1 December. Different forms are sent to all residential properties during the canvass, please check the form carefully and respond as soon as you can only if it requires you to do so.
If you have not received a canvass form or email in relation to this year’s Annual Canvas then please let us know by emailing us.
When Responding
If the information is correct, please confirm this by:
- Visiting the Household Update Service web page OR
- Call 0800 884 0701 OR
- Text 80212
And entering part 1 and part 2 of the security code which is on the form.
If the information is wrong and you need to make changes (including adding and deleting people) you can also visit the Household Update Service web page and enter parts 1 and 2 of the security code. Each new person will also have to register individually on the Register to Vote web page.
Please respond as soon as possible so your details can be updated.
Frequently asked questions
Why have I been sent this form when I am already registered to vote?
I have already applied to register. Do I need to return the Annual Canvass Form too?
Yes. The Annual Canvass Form is not a registration form, but instead provides us with information on who lives in your household. This means we can invite other residents, including any 16 or 17 year-olds, to register to vote if we need to.
What will happen after I complete the Annual Canvass Form?
The information provided on the form will allow us to send a separate individual registration form to all the people in your household who are eligible and need to register.
Why is the form addressed to the current occupier rather than to the people printed on the form?
The form is for that particular property. If it was addressed to the individual householder and that person no longer lived there, the form might be returned unopened or redirected to where the person now lives. This would mean that the people actually living at the property may miss out on the chance to register to vote.
Why can’t I go on the Register straight away?
If before 10 August 2022- Each person has to register individually either by going on-line at gov.uk/register-to-vote or completing an Invitation to Register form which will be sent to you. If you go on-line before 10 August you will be added to the register from 1 September 2022. If you have your National Insurance number I can register you on-line now. If after 10 August- Each person has to register individually either by going on-line at gov.uk/register-to-vote or completing an Invitation to Register form which will be sent to you. You will then be added to the Register when it is published on 1 December 2022.
The deadline for you to be added to the Register on 1 September was 10 August 2022. The register is not updated between 1 September and 1 December (except for election purposes). If you have your National Insurance number I can register you on-line now.
Do I have to include my children on the form?
You only need to include anyone who is over the age of 16. They will not be able to vote until they are 18.
I am a foreign national/refugee/asylum seeker. Can I be added to the register?
You can only be added to the register if you are a British, Irish, Commonwealth or EU Citizen. Having leave to remain does not qualify you to be added to the Electoral Register unless you also qualify by your nationality.
This is my second home - can I register here as well?
If you live in more than one address you can register at both addresses but you are only allowed to vote once at the same election.
Do I register my son/daughter who is a student?
Students can register at both their term time address and their home address so it is their choice.
Will you tell me I have been registered?
If your name is already on the form then we will not send you any other confirmation. However, new people who are added to the register will have further correspondence from us either to confirm they have been added to the register or to request further information.