Electoral registration warning issued to Manchester residents

Manchester residents who have not yet supplied their details for the electoral register are being reminded that it is a legal obligation.

Failure to supply the information requested for the register can carry a fine of up to £1,000.
 
With the deadline of Wednesday 17 November to return completed electoral registration forms looming, Manchester's Electoral Registration Officer has reiterated the importance of registration.
 
As well as residents potentially losing their right to vote, not being on the electoral register can also harm their credit rating as this is used by credit agencies to carry out routine checks.
 
Each year between August and October a voter registration form is delivered to every home in the city so the annual electoral register can be compiled. Canvass staff have been visiting properties where residents have not returned completed forms.
 
Now the Council is writing to all households who have not yet returned their electoral registration forms to remind them of the need to do so.
 
Sir Howard Bernstein, Electoral Registration Officer for Manchester, said: "Most residents have supplied us with the requested details, and I'd like to thank them for their prompt responses, but it's vital that households which have not responded understand that this is a legal requirement and ignoring it is simply not an option.
 
"There have even been a handful of isolated cases where people have point blank refused to fill in their forms, with one man actually ripping up his form in front of a canvasser. I'd warn those residents who wilfully refuse to complete their forms that we will not tolerate this behaviour and will look to prosecute wherever possible.
 
"I would also like to correct the myth that going on the register means you have to vote. This is not the case, but you are required by law to provide the information so that we can compile the electoral register."
 
If you have any questions about the electoral register, or need help filling out the electoral registration canvass form, contact Manchester's Electoral Services Unit as soon as possible on 0161 2341819.