Residents across the Burnham-On-Sea area will shortly receive a letter from the district council explaining changes to the electoral registration system and letting individuals know if they need to take any action to join the new electoral register.
It comes as a new method of registering to vote called the Individual Electoral Registration (IER) system is introduced.
It is being launched across the country this year in a bid to tackle electoral fraud and improve the accuracy of the electoral register.
From early August letters explaining the new system will be sent to the 89,000 people already registered to vote in the district.
In Sedgemoor, around 12,000 residents may need to take action to join the new register, even if they were registered in the past.
Before IER was introduced, the ‘head of household’ was responsible for registering everyone who lived at an address. Under the new system, each individual is responsible for their own voter registration.
“Most people who are already registered to vote have been transferred automatically to the new register. However, around 12,000 people within Sedgemoor may need to re-register to ensure the details held are accurate. There are also people in the district who are not registered to vote at all and so need to register to have their say in elections,” said a spokeswoman.
“Your letter will clearly state whether or not you are on the new register or whether you have to take action. If you need to register on the new list, the easiest way is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote but you can also return the form enclosed with your letter.”
Kerry Rickards, Chief Executive of Sedgemoor District Council, added: “This is the biggest change to the voter registration system in 100 years, so it is essential that people check their letter carefully to see whether they need to re-register.”
“With a General Election, District and Town/Parish elections on Thursday, 7th May 2015 it’s really important that people in Sedgemoor are registered to vote.”
Sedgemoor residents with questions about the process can also contact the council’s Electoral Services Team on 01278 435334 or at electoral.services@sedgemoor.gov.uk
