Each year the Electoral Registration Officer is required to undertake an annual canvass of all households in the district to ensure the electoral register is accurate and complete.
In previous years, each property was sent a Household Enquiry Form to complete and return. This year, following recent legislative reform, the process has changed.
How does the new canvass work?
The electoral register was sent securely to the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to be matched against their records in June. During the data matching process, electors’ names and addresses were matched against details held by the DWP.
If all the registered people at a property can be matched with the DWP, you can view a sample canvass form your property will receive.
If there are any people at a property that cannot be matched, you can view this sample canvass form your property will receive.
Please read the form carefully to determine where there is a requirement for you to respond.
E-mail forms
In July and August, if we already have your e-mail address, you’ll receive your form by e-mail. This will be sent from tandridge.elections@notifications.service.gov.uk.
If we have an e-mail address for more than one person in the property, each individual person will receive an e-mail. Only one response per household is required.
The e-mail will ask you:
This e-mail is a genuine request, but if you are unsure please contact customer services.
Paper canvass forms
If we do not receive a response to our initial correspondence, a paper canvass form will be sent to you in September.
The form will be addressed to ‘The Resident’ and will contain the details of all those in the household who are registered to vote. Where a property has no registered electors, the form will be blank.
How do I respond?
Check the information in the form to see if you need to respond. Then respond using one of these options:
It is quicker and cheaper if you respond to the form electronically. You'll need the security codes (printed on the front page of your form) if you respond online or by phone.
If you are unable to respond online or by phone, please complete the form and return it in the envelope provided.
What if I don’t respond?
Some forms do not require a response. If you do not respond to the initial form and are required to do so, you may receive a reminder text message or e-mail. Please check your form carefully to see if you need to respond.
If your form requires a response and we do not receive one, electoral canvassers will contact you. This will either be by telephone or, if we do not hold your contact details, by visiting your property with a form to encourage you to respond.
Please note that due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we may not visit your property unless it is safe to do so.