In July, Tandridge District Council started delivering the register of electors canvass forms to each of the 35,400 households in the district, asking residents to list all eligible voters including 16 and 17 year olds.

The information from the canvass is used to update the Electoral Register which will be published on 16th October this year.

If there are no changes to the details on the form, residents can use the free automated telephone response service on 0808 129 6807, the website www.voter-reg.com or SMS Text on 07538 683 954. If there are any changes, these need to be made on the form, before it is signed and sent back.

Opting out of the edited register

This year's canvass form will show if residents have chosen to opt out of having their names included on the edited register, which can be sold by the Council.

If residents want to continue to opt out they must tick a box to confirm their choice, or confirm electronically if using the website, telephone or text service. If they do not, their names will appear on the edited register.

Filling in the form

All eligible names must be added or confirmed on the form, but only one member of the household needs to sign or confirm it. The following people need to be included on the canvass form:

• Anyone living at an address in the district on 15 October aged 18 or over.

• British, Irish, European Union or qualifying Commonwealth citizens.

• Anyone who is 16 or 17 years old, so they are eligible to vote as soon as they reach 18.

If the Council does not get a reply, a reminder will be sent out at the end of August. If the Council has still not received a form by the middle of September, householders will receive a personal visit.

By law a response must be made each year, even if there are no changes. If there is not a response or false information is provided, the householder may be liable to a fine of ￡1,000.

Councillor Martin Fisher, Chairman of the Resources Committee, said: "Please don't assume because you were registered last year your name will be automatically included in this year's Register of Electors. The Register of Electors is often used to confirm an individual's address, especially if they are applying for credit such as a mortgage, personal loan or even a mobile telephone. If you are not registered you could be refused credit, as well as losing your right to vote at any elections. Don't forget being on the Council Tax Register does not automatically mean you are on the Register of Electors. The two registers contain different information."

For more information about the canvass visit www.tandridge.gov.uk, call Electoral Services on 01883 732716, or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..