The way we all register to vote is changing

Residents across Mendip will shortly receive a letter from the district council explaining changes to the electoral registration system and letting individuals know if they need to take any action to join the new electoral register.

Individual Electoral Registration (IER) is the new method of registering to vote. It was introduced across the country earlier this year in a bid to tackle electoral fraud and improve the accuracy of the electoral register.

From Monday 28th July letters explaining the new system will be sent to the 86,000 people already registered to vote in the district. In Mendip, around 16,000 residents may need to take action to join the new register, even if they were registered in the past.

Before IER was introduced, the ‘head of household’ was responsible for registering everyone who lived at an address. Under the new system, each individual is responsible for their own voter registration.

Most people who are already registered to vote have been transferred automatically to the new register. However, around 16,000 people within Mendip may need to re-register to ensure the details held are accurate. There are also people in the district who are not registered to vote at all and so need to register to have their say in elections.

Your letter will clearly state whether or not you are on the new register or whether you have to take action. If you need to register on the new list, the easiest way is online at www.gov.uk/yourvotematters but you can also return the form enclosed with your letter. More information is also available on the same website.