ISLANDERS ASKED TO RETURN IMPORTANT FORMS

IW County Hall

Residents are being reminded to complete and return canvass forms used to update the Register of Electors for the Isle of Wight.

The Isle of Wight Council has issued forms to over 69,000 residential properties and residents are requested to complete the form as soon as possible so that the Register of Electors can be compiled ready for its publication on 1 December 2010.

Failure to complete and return the form to the council could result in your name being removed from the Register, preventing you from being able to vote. Subject to approval by Parliament, 2011 could see Islanders going to the polls in the first referendum since the 1970’s so it is important to complete the form.

Increasingly, the Register of Electors is also used to check people’s identity when they apply for credit. You may find it difficult to obtain a loan or credit if you are not on the Register of Electors.

The canvass form also gives you the opportunity to choose whether or not your name is sold to commercial organisations. If you wish to be excluded from the Edited Register please tick the relevant column on the form. However, everyone’s name must appear on the Full Register which can be inspected in person by visiting County Hall in Newport.

By law, the council is required to send out a reminder if the forms are not returned. To help the council avoid this expensive and time consuming process, please return the form by Thursday 30 September 2010.

If your household hasn’t received a canvass form, contact the Electoral Services office at the Isle of Wight Council on (01983) 821000.