Sandwell residents are being urged to check their electoral registration details or risk losing their chance to vote on decisions that affect them.

With elections taking place in Sandwell in May 2023, this is an opportunity for residents to make sure they can take part.

The annual canvass allows Sandwell Council to keep the electoral register up to date, to identify who risks losing their voice at elections, and to encourage them to register before it’s too late. Letters, which clearly state if the householder needs to respond went out to all households in July.

Households that are required to respond, but who haven’t yet, will receive either a reminder in the post, an email, a phone call or a visit to make sure the details are up to date. Kim Bromley-Derry, Electoral Registration Officer at Sandwell Council said:

“The annual canvass is our way of making sure that the information on the electoral register for every address is accurate. Letters went out to all households in July, and it’s now time to make sure you’ve responded if you need to.

“To make sure you don’t lose your say at the next election, look out for instructions from us. If you haven’t heard from us, you might not be on the register.”

If you're not registered to vote - you can do this easily online. Recent home movers in particular are urged to check their details.

The Electoral Commission research has found that recent home movers are less likely to be registered than those who have lived at the same address for a long time. In Great Britain, 92% of those who have lived in their home for 16 years will be registered, compared with 36% of people who have lived at an address for less than a year. 

Residents with questions about their registration status can contact the elections team by emailing electoral_services@sandwell.gov.uk or by calling 0121 569 3244.