Register of electors

Annual Canvass 2023

West Lindsey District Council’s annual canvass starts on 10 July 2023.

Each year the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) is required by law to conduct an annual canvass to ensure the electoral register is accurate and complete. The purpose of the annual canvass is to identify everyone who should be on the register, and delete any entries that are now incorrect (such as when someone has moved house).

How does the annual canvass work?

Step 1 – Data matching

In June we send electoral register data securely to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) database to be matched. Electors' names and address will be matched against National Insurance details and the information held by the DWP. In addition to this an ERO has the discretion to use local data (such as. council tax records) to perform a matching exercise as well.

If all the registered people at a property can be matched with either of these databases, the property will be sent down the Route 1 canvass.

If there are any people at a property that cannot be matched, the property will be sent down the Route 2 canvass.

Care homes and Nursing homes will be sent down the Route 3 canvass.

Step 2

Route 1

From early July, you will be sent a form to your property, Canvass Communication A, which will have the elector details listed.

If they are correct, you do not need to do anything.

If you would like to make any changes, go to Household Response's West Lindsey section, and use the security codes on the form to log in and complete the change.

If you do not wish to respond online and need to make updates, post this form back to us addressed to:

Electoral Registration
West Lindsey District Council
Guildhall
Marshall's Yard
Gainsborough
DN21 2NA

or call us on 01427 676576.

However, if you have previously supplied us with your email address we will contact you via email, and we must receive a response to this or it will be followed up with a Canvass Communication A form. You have the right to object to the use of your email address for the purpose of electoral registration. To do this contact the Electoral Registration Office to unsubscribe at ereg@west-lindsey.gov.uk or call 01427 676576.

You cannot reply to the email, but to make any changes you will need to go to Household Response's West Lindsey section, and use the security codes in the email to log in. New additions will also need to complete an individual registration application. They can do this at GOV.UK's register to vote page. We will send each person a form if they do not apply online.

Route 2

We will send a Canvass Communication B letter to the property through the post which will contain the elector details. We will send a blank form if the property is empty.

We need a response from this form even if there are no changes to report.

If you would like to add or remove someone from the property, go to Household Response's West Lindsey section and use the security codes on the form to log in and complete the change.

If you do not wish to respond online and have no changes, you can call 0800 197 9871 for the automated freephone telephone service. You can also text NOCHANGE, followed by your two security codes, to 80212. However, this options does have a standard charge. Finally, you can also post this form back to us addressed to:

Electoral Registration
West Lindsey District Council
Guildhall
Marshall's Yard
Gainsborough
DN21 2NA

If we do not receive a response from the Canvass Communication B forms, we will make every attempt to get a response from you. We may contact you using reminder forms, telephone, email, or a visit to your property where necessary.

Route 3

Care Home Managers or Duty Managers will receive a phone call or email with a list of those registered at the address. We can then establish who currently resides at the home and is eligible to register to vote.

Canvass Form

If we do not receive a response to the Canvass Communication B a further Canvass Form will be sent by post around 23 August. This form lists the names of the people who are currently registered at the address. A blank form will be sent if the property has no current registered electors.

A response is required to this form even if there are no changes to report. To make any changes go to Household Response's West Lindsey section using the security codes on the form.

For no changes call 0800 197 9871 or text NOCHANGE to 80212 for both these options you will need the security codes given on the form. If you would like to reply by post, a reply-paid envelope will be enclosed.

Service and Anonymous Voters

Please note that service voter details and anonymous registrations will not appear on annual canvass communications. This does not mean you are not registered, please contact electoral services to check before making any response to your canvass communication to avoid any duplicate registration. Email ereg@west-lindsey.gov.uk or call 01427 676576.

accordion | Electoral registration FAQs

Electoral registration — frequently asked questions

When will my application be added to the electoral register?

If your application is valid and not subject to any objections we will write to tell you when you will be added to the electoral register.

Who can register?

In order to register, you must be:

  • over 16 (but you cannot vote until your 18th birthday)
  • a British or Commonwealth citizen
  • a citizen of the Irish Republic or of another European Union state

What happens if I'm a European Union citizen?

EU citizens (other than citizens of Britain or the Irish Republic) can only vote at local elections.

If you are not a citizen of Britain, the Commonwealth, or the Irish Republic, you must complete a separate form to vote at European Parliamentary elections here in West Lindsey.

What if I'm not able to vote in person?

Anyone can now apply to vote by post.

Visit our postal vote webpage to download an application form. If you are blind or disabled or will be away from home during an election, you can apply for someone to vote for you. You can download a proxy application form in Adobe PDF format or contact electoral services section for further information.

How do I find out if my name is on the electoral register?

Copies of the full register are available to inspect at:

Guildhall,
Marshall's Yard,
Gainsborough,
Lincolnshire,
DN21 2NA

Alternatively, contact the electoral services section.

Do I have to let you know if I move?

No, it is completely up to you.

If you don't let us know, you will still have a vote at your old address. However the annual registration update is compulsory.

I have informed the Council Tax section that I have moved. Why can't you update the electoral register as well?

We are sorry but regulations state that you must either contact our Electoral Services team or complete an online electoral registration application form.

What if I change my name?

The online electoral registration form can be used to update the register with your new name.

contact | Electoral Services
Electoral Services

West Lindsey District Council
Guildhall
Marshall's Yard
Gainsborough
DN21 2NA
United Kingdom