WEST Somerset and Taunton Deane residents are being urged to return their household enquiry forms to the councils’ joint electoral services team.

Councils are legally required to make sure that the details on the electoral register are correct for each person in every household – even if they have informed the council that they do not wish to vote. 

Many residents have returned their forms, but some are still outstanding – and the law says that individual personal visits may be made to properties where occupiers have not returned their forms. 

The forms are simple to fill in and can be completed online – details of how to do this are on the form. Residents can also opt to fill in the paper form and post it in the pre-paid envelope, or return them to the councils’ offices in Taunton and Williton.

The canvass allows residents to make any changes to their details – such as a change of address – and people can opt to be excluded from the open register so that their details cannot be bought by individuals and commercial organisations. Electoral services canvassers will be out and about during October and November asking householders to confirm the details held on the current Register of Electors. If no-one is home, they will post a calling card, asking that forms are completed.

All canvassers will have official ID and anyone who is unsure whether the caller is genuine should ask to see it.