HOUSEHOLDS in the Torridge area yet to reply to electoral register canvass letters will be visited by canvassers in the coming weeks.

In the last few months homes in the area will have received letters advising them of what information appears on the electoral register for their particular address. The majority of households, nearly 84% of properties across the district, have responded to the forms. However, a reply has not yet been received from about 16% or just under 5,400 properties and the council is now preparing to contact these directly.

Over the coming weeks and through to the middle of November, canvassers will be visiting these remaining properties to bring the records up-to-date. Residents will be asked to confirm the details held on the register and canvassers will also be able to assist them in making any changes should this be necessary as well.

All canvassers will carry identification and have been specially trained to answer any questions the public might have about the process. A new electoral register will be published later this year on December 1.

Jenny Wallace, head of paid service at Torridge District Council said: ‘Anyone that wants to vote must be registered and it’s really important that people confirm their details now, most obviously so that they can vote in any elections and have a say in how things are run. But it’s also important for obtaining credit, such as for a mobile phone or perhaps a mortgage.

‘Credit agencies are much more likely to progress an application for credit if they can verify that person’s details on the electoral register as this helps confirm their identity and also helps to prevent fraud. So I really hope people will embrace the process and help to raise the number of people signed up to vote to make the register as complete as possible.’