The annual canvass is a legal process that takes place every year across all local authorities in the UK.
Its purpose is to ensure that the electoral register is complete and up to date. This process also helps maintain accurate records used for jury service selection and can have an impact on credit checks, which often rely on electoral register information.
What the annual household canvass means
Every year, we contact all residential properties in Bath and North East Somerset to check who is eligible to register to vote.
This year, the household canvass starts the first week of September. Residents will receive either an email or a letter.
How to check that the email is authentic
The email is from the Electoral Registration Officer – Bath & North East Somerset Council (electoral.registration.officer.bath.north.east.somerset.council@notifications.service.gov.uk).
How to respond
Follow the instructions which are included in the email or letter – you can respond in different ways.
Respond online
The easiest way to respond is online. Use our official household response website. You will need to have this information ready:
- Your postcode
- The unique security code on your email or letter
Other ways you can respond
By phone
Call our helpline on 01225 477333.
By email
Send us a message at elections@bathnes.gov.uk
By post
Complete your form and return it to:
Electoral Registration Officer
Bath & North East Somerset Council
Guildhall
High Street
Bath
BA1 5AW
What happens next
By responding to your canvass email/form, you are informing us of the names of the people at the property who should be on the register of electors.
If you add someone to your household response, they will receive a form inviting them to register to vote. They can also register to vote online on the GOV.UK website.
If you delete anyone from your household, their name will be removed from the register of electors.
Publication of the updated register
An updated register of electors is published on 1 December each year.