Annual Canvass forms sent out in Arun: this is what you need to do

The council has now delivered all the forms to residents in Littlehampton and the wider district.

In previous years, residents had to complete these, regardless of whether their circumstances had changed, so they could appear on the electoral register and be eligible to vote.

But this year, the Government introduced a new process, designed to make the canvass more efficient.

As a result, it is important residents check their form to see if they need to take action or not.

Nigel Lynn, chief executive at Arun District Council and electoral registration officer for the district, said: “Due to the difficult and unusual times we are experiencing, we are doing our best to ensure that we follow public health guidelines, while managing the Annual Canvass process.

“Please make sure you check your letter and that you are on the electoral register. If you’re not registered, your name will not appear on the letter.

“The easiest way to register is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or we can send you information in the post explaining how to do this.

“You might want to consider applying for a postal vote for next year’s elections if you don’t already have one. Let us know by responding to your canvass letter and we can send you an application form.”

A council spokesman said: “Where at all possible, we are asking people to respond online and not by post.

“We will not be sending out reply paid envelopes with the letters.

“Responding online not only reduces cost and is better for the environment, but also removes the need for electors to go out to post the letter.

“For those unable to respond online there are options to enable them to respond by phone and text. All the instructions are in your letter.”

To find out more about the Annual Canvass, visit arun.gov.uk/canvass. The frequently asked questions will be updated regularly in response to the questions residents are asking.

The spokesman added: “If you need any more information, please contact our electoral services team on 01903 737616 or email us at [email protected] .

“You can also find out more about electoral registration at arun.gov.uk/registration.”