Annual Canvass
Annual Canvass for the Register of Electors
The Annual Canvass is a process each local authority undertakes every year to update the Electoral Register. Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) are legally required to keep the register of eligible voters up to date.
Register of Electors 2024
On Tuesday 6th August 2024, we will contact every household in the District to find out if the details on the electoral register are correct.
The type of contact you receive will depend on the information we have available for the property. Where required, you must respond to communication as soon as possible to confirm or change your details. The fastest way to respond is online by visiting the website below and entering your details.
- Visit the website at: householdresponse.com/midsussex
- Communication you will have received will contain two security codes, enter both codes on the website to access your household details.
We will either send reminder forms or attempt personal contact where no response has been received to our communications.
By completing the registration process, you will ensure that you can vote in future elections.
The next scheduled election are the West Sussex County Council elections in 2025.
More information on the types of communications you may receive and chase cycles for the canvass can be found on our website by clicking here: https://www.midsussex.gov.uk/elections-voting/annual-canvass-communications/
Who is eligible to vote?
You must be aged 16 or over.
You can register to vote if you’re a British citizen or an Irish citizen.
You can also register if you have permission to enter or stay in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man - or you do not need permission - and you’re a:
- Commonwealth citizen
- A ‘Qualifying EU citizen’ or ‘EU citizen with retained rights’, please visit https://www.midsussex.gov.uk/elections-voting/register-to-vote/ to learn more about eligibility for EU citizens.
The types of elections you will be eligible to vote in, will vary depending on the type of registration/elector you are.
You can check which elections you’re eligible to vote in here.
British citizens, Irish citizens and qualifying citizens of Commonwealth countries (including Cyprus and Malta) can vote in local government elections and Police and Crime Commissioner elections. To date, the UK Government has not made changes to the eligibility of EU citizens, meaning at present they too can vote in these elections.
Why should I respond?
The law says that you must respond to the annual electoral canvass.
If you do not, it will not only affect your right to vote, but it may also affect your ability to open a bank account, get credit, a loan or a mortgage as the full register is checked by authorised credit agencies.
Do not register only when you need a mortgage or finance – due to prescribed processes and timings that we must observe by law, it can take several weeks before your entry is visible to credit agencies.
Don't delay - you can save time and expense to the taxpayer and avoid receiving reminders and personal visits by responding to the canvass form promptly after you have received it.
The revised Register of Electors will be published by the 2nd December 2024.
If you do not register during the canvass, you can still apply to have your name added to the register. Electors are added on a monthly basis.