8 August 2014

The way you register to vote is changing

Fareham Borough Council is writing to residents to tell them about changes to voter registration and whether they will need to re-register themselves.

Most people who are already registered have been transferred automatically to the new register.  However, you could be one of those in Fareham who need to re-register so it’s important that you look out for a letter between now and 17 August that will tell you if need to take action.

The registration system changed in June. The new system is called ‘Individual Electoral Registration’. Previously, the ‘head of household’ was responsible for registering everyone who lived at an address, but now every individual is responsible for their own voter registration.

Executive Leader of Fareham Borough Council, Conservative Councillor Seán Woodward has said: “This is the biggest change to the voter registration system in 100 years.  The new system means that for the first time people are now able to register online at www.gov.uk/yourvotematters . It only takes 5 minutes to register online, but you will need to provide a few more details, including your National Insurance number and date of birth.”

There are also people in the area who are not registered to vote at all and so need to register to have their say in elections. If you weren’t registered previously, you can register under the new system at www.gov.uk/yourvotematters .

ENDS