Annual Canvass for the Register of Electors

Step 1: Data matching

The Electoral Register is sent securely to the Department of Working Pensions (DWP) database to be matched from 1st June. Electors’ names and addresses will be matched against National Insurance details and the information held by the DWP. In addition to this an ERO has the discretion to use local data (e.g. Council Tax records) to perform a matching exercise as well.

If all the registered people at a property can be matched with either of these databases the property will be sent down Route 1 canvass.

If there are any people at a property that can not be matched the property will be sent down Route 2 canvass.

Care homes, nursing homes and all other properties that have a responsible person i.e. a duty manager will be sent down Route 3 canvass.

Step 2: Routes of communication

Route 1

These are sent out in July, to households where we could data match everyone with the information held by the DWP. If they are correct, you do not need to do anything more. If you would like to add or remove someone from the property, go to the website address and use the security codes on the form to log in and complete that change.

Route 2

This means that we couldn’t match everyone that can vote in your household with the information held by the DWP. You’ll be sent a letter and form. You need to reply to it even if there are no changes to your details. The letter will tell you how you can do that. You can also respond online.

Route 3

Care managers or duty managers will receive an email from us requesting a list of those registered at the address.

If we do not receive a response from the email we send, we will make every attempt to get a response from you. This may be via reminder forms, the telephone or a visit to the property.

You must read the information on the forms carefully and:

• check the information for everyone is correct
• reply if you need to – route one household only need to reply if something has changed

If you need to reply

The quickest way to update your details is online.

Visit Online Response Service and enter the two-part security code that’s printed on your form. Follow the instructions to complete this.

You can also reply by post to:

Electoral Services, Thanet District Council, Cecil Street, Margate, CT9 1XZ

If you don’t reply when asked, we may send you an email or give you a call if you have previously given us these details.

If you still don’t reply, a canvasser may have to visit your property.

We will also be contacting you to let you know if you need to reapply for your postal vote.

If you add someone new to your form, they must register to vote. It only takes five minutes, and all they will need is their National Insurance number and date of birth. If they don’t register online, we’ll send them an Invitation to Register form by post.

If you remove someone from your form, we might need to review this by writing to them to confirm they no longer live at your address.

If you need further information, please contact electoral.services@thanet.gov.uk or phone 01843 577500.