Watford Borough Council is reminding residents to take part in the annual electoral registration canvass and to be aware of important changes to postal voting rules.
Each year, the council must check that the details on the electoral register are correct. All households in Watford should by now have received a canvass communication by letter, email, or text.
Annual canvass, what to do:
- Read the instructions in your canvass communication.
- Check the registration details for your property.
- Respond without delay, preferably online using the security codes provided.
If anyone new has moved into your home, add their details when responding. They will also need to register individually at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.
Postal vote renewal, what’s changed
New national rules mean postal votes no longer last indefinitely, but for a maximum of three years.
- If you applied before 31 October 2023, you must renew by 31 January 2026.
- If you applied after this date, your postal vote will remain valid for up to three years before renewal is needed.
- If you do not renew, your postal vote will be legally cancelled and you will need to reapply.
How to apply or reapply for a postal vote
You can now complete your application online. You will need to provide:
- Your date of birth
- Your National Insurance Number
- A scanned or photographed copy of your handwritten signature in black ink on white paper
- If you cannot provide a consistent signature you will need to contact the Electoral Service Team for a waiver
Donna Nolan, Returning Officer for Watford Borough Council, said: “It’s vital that residents respond to the annual canvass so we can ensure the electoral register is up to date. Being correctly registered means, you’ll be able to have your say in future elections. With new rules around postal voting now in place, I’d also urge anyone who votes by post to be aware of the changes and renew in time so they don’t miss out on their chance to vote.”
If you have any questions about the annual canvass, voter registration, or postal voting, please contact the Electoral Services team via email elections@watford.gov.uk or by telephone: 01923 278369.
