12/7/23

Cardiff residents are being urged to check their electoral registration details to ensure they can have their say at future elections.

The annual canvass allows the Council to keep the electoral register up to date, to identify who risks losing their voice at elections, and to encourage them to register before it's too late. 

More people can vote in Welsh elections than ever before, so this is an important opportunity to update the electoral register. Anyone aged 16 or over can vote in Welsh local government and Senedd elections, regardless of where they were born and anyone aged 14 and above can register.

Davina Fiore, Deputy Electoral Registration Officer at Cardiff Council, said: "Residents should keep an eye out for updates from the Council over the next few weeks. The annual canvass is our way of making sure that the information on the electoral register for every address in the city is accurate and up to date.

"To make sure you don't lose your say at upcoming elections, simply follow the instructions sent to you. If you're not currently registered, your name will not appear in the messages we send. If you want to register, the easiest way is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote."

Recent home movers in particular are urged to check their details. Electoral Commission research has found that recent home movers are less likely to be registered than those who have lived at the same address for a long time. In Wales, 91% of those who have lived in their home for 16 years will be registered, compared with 30% of people who have lived at an address for less than a year.

Rhydian Thomas, Head of the Electoral Commission Wales, said: "It doesn't matter where you were born, if you are 16 or over, you are able to vote in Welsh elections - but only if you register to vote first.

"It's really important that everyone who is eligible to vote is able to do so. We urge people to check for updates from their local council on this year's canvass. The council may contact residents by post or email.

"If you are not registered to vote, make sure you provide the necessary information to your local council when asked and register to vote online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote"

 Information on registering to vote is available on the Electoral Commission website here: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/register-vote-and-update-your-details

Residents with questions about their registration status can contact their local council's electoral services team by emailingelectoralservices@cardiff.gov.uk