Don’t lose your right to have your say!

Canvass forms are sent out to every household in the Borough to ensure the Register of Electors contains up-to-date details of all residents who are eligible to vote.

The Register, which will be published on the 1st December, 2010, will be used to compile a list of eligible voters for the Local Council Elections on Thursday 5th May 2011.

It's so simple to register for a vote - all you have to do is complete the canvass form when it drops through your letter box.

Alternatively, if you are happy with the existing information contained on the form, you can confirm them by using the FREE and SECURE telephone number or internet service listed.

Either method allows you to request an application to vote by post should you wish to do so.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Chief Executive Rob Tinlin, who also acts as the Borough's Electoral Registration and Returning Officer, urged residents to fill in the canvass form.

He said: "Failing to respond to the canvass from could lead to your details being removed from the Register of Electors, meaning you would not be able to vote.

"Filling in and returning the form gives you the right to play your part in the democratic process by helping choose the people who make the decisions which affect your everyday life."

You should complete the household canvass form if you are:  

• 18 or over (details of 16 and 17-year-olds in the property should be provided so that they can vote as soon as they reach the age of 18)
• living at an address in Southend
• a British citizen, a citizen of a member state of the European Union or a citizen from a Commonwealth country or
• a Member of the Armed Forces

If you do not receive your canvass form, or if you would like more information about electoral registration, please contact the Council's Electoral Services Team on 01702-215010.

Alternatively, log on to www.southend.gov.uk/elections