People in Leeds reminded to register to vote under new system

Letters are dropping on doormats all over Leeds this week to remind people to check whether they’re registered to vote.



Last year a new national system of individual electoral registration (IER) was introduced which means that instead of one person replying on behalf of the household, everyone eligible to vote has to confirm individually that they’re registered.



To try to make sure no-one has inadvertently slipped through the net under the new arrangements, Leeds City Council has written to every household in the city- around 340,000 homes.



Susanna Benton, Leeds City Council’s electoral services manager, said:

“We know that with any new system people take time to adjust and we want to help make sure everyone who is entitled to vote is registered. Make sure that you do check your details so you don’t miss out on the opportunity to vote at the general and local elections in May.”



The letter asks people living there to check that the people registered to vote at the address are correct. If the details are right, no further action is required. If however someone is not included, they can register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote using their date of birth and National Insurance Number.



To alert the council to someone listed at your address who no longer lives there go to www.elecreg.co.uk/leeds and enter the security codes contained in your letter. Further information is available online at www.leeds.gov.uk/yourvotematters



If you're not able to go online and need to speak to someone on the phone you can also contact the elections helpline on 0113 222 4411 but please bear in mind this is very busy this week and it might be easier to get through next week instead.





For media enquiries please contact:

Donna Cox, Leeds City Council press office (0113) 224 3335

Email: donna.cox@leeds.gov.uk



ENDS