All Leeds residents will receive a letter through the post over the next two weeks telling them about the biggest change to the electoral registration system in nearly 100 years.
The Electoral Registration Officer will write to 550,000 people in Leeds with a letter explaining the new, more secure, system of Individual Electoral Registration.
The new system is being introduced to replace the old Victorian system where the “head of household” registered everyone living in a property. Now, each individual will be responsible for registering themselves, and this can be done online. Of the 550,000 people receiving letters, 470,000 residents will automatically move onto the new electoral register, however some will need to take action to join or remain on it.
Tom Riordan, Leeds electoral registration officer, said:
“Leeds residents will receive a letter between 20 – 28 August that will explain the change to the electoral registration system. Look out for the letter as it will tell you if you have been automatically transferred to the new register or not. If you have not been transferred, you will need to provide some additional information and the letter will tell you exactly what you need to do.”
Samantha Mills, head of campaigns at the Electoral Commission, said:
“This summer the Electoral Commission will launch a major advertising campaign that will raise awareness of the change to Individual Electoral Registration. We welcome this change, which will lead to a more secure register and replace the outdated Victorian concept that a single ‘head of household’ is responsible for registering everyone.”
For more information visit www.gov.uk/yourvotematters.
If you do not receive a letter contact Electoral Services on (0113) 222 4411 or email: electors@leeds.gov.uk.
