Don't lose your right to vote!

The register is updated during the canvass period, which is September to November, and a new register is published on 1 December each year.

You must by law return the voter registration form each year. If you do not respond to the annual canvass request or provide false information on the form, you may be liable to a fine of up to £1,000.

Who needs to register? 

Over 18 years or turning 18 in the near future who is a

• British, Irish, European or qualifying commonwealth citizen and
• Living at an address in Southwark on 15 October 2010

The register of electors is used to confirm an individual's address, especially when applying for credit such as a mortgage, personal loan or even a mobile telephone. If you're not registered you will not be able to vote and your credit rating may be affected.

If you wish to be added to the electoral register between 18 August and 30 November, you must complete the household registration form sent to your address. It will be in an envelope addressed to 'The present occupier'.

Once you receive this form check that all the details are correct and update if necessary i.e. remove previous occupiers by putting a line through the entry on the form, add your name and those eligible to vote at your address. Use the prepaid envelope provided to return your form. It is a legal requirement to complete the voter registration form even if there are no changes to the information currently on the electoral register for your address.

You also have the opportunity to register during the annual canvass by telephone or through the council's website. However, this facility is only available for households that have no changes to make to the details printed on the voter registration form.

Please do not assume that because you were registered last year your name will automatically be included in this year's register of electors. Being registered for council tax does not mean that you are on the register of electors either.

The annual canvass timetable

Stage 1 - voter registration form mail out

Household voter registration forms sent to every residential property in the borough the week beginning 17 August.

Stage 2 - reminder

If we have not heard from you by 13 September a reminder will be sent.

Stage 3 - canvasser visits

Personal visits will be made to all non-responding households from 7 October to 4 November. Please assist the canvassers in obtaining the information requested.

Contact us

If you haven't received a registration form, or if you have any queries about completing your form please contact Electoral Services on 020 7525 7373 or email: electoralenquiries@southwark.gov.uk.