Annual canvass of electors

This year’s canvass is taking place during a challenging public health situation so please respond online, by phone or by text wherever possible.

Every year we have to carry out an annual canvass of all households in the Epping Forest district to check that the information on the electoral register is correct and up to date.

You will not be able to vote if your name is not on the register. You may also find it difficult getting credit for things like a mortgage, bank loan or mobile phone contract.

The way we carry out the canvass is changing this year.

Data matching step

There will now be a data matching step at the beginning of the canvass to make it more efficient. We will compare the names and addresses we have on the electoral register with the same information held by the Department for Work and Pensions and local authority databases. Data matching is fully automated, so we only know the outcome, not how the result is achieved.

If everyone in the household matches after our checks, we will send you a white form listing the names on the current register at the address.

White form

White form = no changes to the details = no response needed

This is a change from previous years where everyone had to respond even if there were no changes to the details.

If you need to make changes like adding, removing or changing names:

• Go online to www.householdresponse.com/eppingforest
• Email elections@eppingforestdc.gov.uk
• Telephone the Electoral Services helpline on 01992 564411

Yellow form

If something doesn’t match after our checks, we will send you a yellow form. It will be pre-printed with the details we currently hold. If you receive this form you must respond, even if there are no changes.

You can confirm that the information is correct:

• Go online to www.householdresponse.com/eppingforest
• By telephone on 0800 197 9871
• By texting NO CHANGE to 80212

You will need both parts of your security codes provided on the form to confirm your details.

If you need to make changes like adding, removing or changing names:

• Go online to www.householdresponse.com/eppingforest
• Email elections@eppingforestdc.gov.uk
• Telephone the Electoral Services helpline on 01992 564411

Yellow form = you must respond even if all the details are correct

If you do not respond to the form, we will have to send out a reminder and may even phone or email you.

If you registered after 14 July your name may not be pre-printed on the form. You must respond giving your details to make sure our records are correct.

If you add someone to the form and they are eligible to vote they also need to complete their registration online at register to vote as it’s a 2 stage process. They will need their date of birth, national insurance number and any previous address.

Staff can enter the details into the system for them.

• Email elections@eppingforestdc.gov.uk
• Telephone the Electoral Services helpline on 01992 564411