Electoral registration faqs

Q.	I recently filled in an application form to go on the register but have now received the annual register of elector form which is addressed to 'The present occupier'. Do I still need to return this form?
A.	You do need to return this form as we need to confirm that the details we hold are correct and that no further changes have been made. Previous occupiers will need to be removed plus you may have applied to go on the register after the August deadline thus your details will not show on the 'Register of Electors' form.

Q.	How do I know if I'm registered on the Electoral Register?
A.	You can inspect the Register at the Runnymede Civic Centre, Station Road, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 2AH. We cannot divulge any information over the phone.

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 have moved, you will still have a vote at your old address. However, if you register with another authority the electoral registration officer can delete your entry on receipt of information from your new authority that you have moved and have registered with them. The new residents can now also inform us that you are no longer resident so your name could be removed from the register but this would be subject to a review from the Electoral services department.

If you move within the Borough you will need to apply to be registered at your new address using an application form.

Can I put my whole family on the same application form?

No. You will need to complete a separate form for every person 18 years old and over and for every person aged 16 and 17 who will attain the age of 18 in the next twelve months. Each of them will have to sign their own form. (This does not apply to the 'Annual Register of Electors' form).

If you need further information.

Those who are currently 16 or 17 will not be able to vote until they reach the age of 18.

I've already let my local council know I've moved and I am paying Council Tax at my new address. Can they update the electoral register for me?

No. The only way you can update your electoral records is by filling in an electoral registration application form. The Council Tax register and the electoral register are two separate registers and are completely different.

The Council Tax register may show the names of the owners and not necessarily the residents of the properties. For this reason, together with legal restrictions, the Electoral Registration Officer is not permitted to take names from the Council Tax register and put them on the electoral register and vice versa.

How long does it take for my new details to get on the electoral register?

We update the electoral register at the beginning of the month from December to September.

Depending on when you submit your application the process will take between two and six weeks. This includes a review period during which objections can be made to applications made. Information on when will you add my name?

Q.	How do I get on the electoral register?
A.	If you want to get on the electoral register outside the annual canvass period (August - December each year), you can register under rolling registration. Each person wishing to go on the register needs to complete a rolling registration form.

Someone is registered at my address who doesn't live here any more - can you take them off?

Electors can be removed : -

as a result of the autumn canvass returns;
when we are advised by another local authority that the person has been registered by them; or
if the elector advises us in writing that they have left the area and wish to be removed from the register.
In addition the electoral registration officer can review properties throughout the year. If he is satisfied that electors are no longer resident.

I have married and changed my name, and my name is wrong on the register - can I still vote and can you change it?

You can still vote, because the question to the elector at polling stations is "are you the person on the register shown as ...".

During the annual canvass, write your new name on the Voter Registration Form sent to your address.

At other times of the year, you need to advise Electoral Services of the change in writing, as your signature is required. Your amended details will be included on the monthly update of the electoral register.

Q.	A relative has died, can you take them off the register?
A.	A relative or executor should inform Electoral Services in writing of the death of an elector. Their name will then be removed from the register.

Q.	I am still registered at my old address, can I vote there?
A.	Yes, you can vote from the address at which you are registered. If you are registered at two addresses, you can only legally vote once at any individual election.

Postal and Proxy Voting FAQ's

Postal and Proxy votes - Why do I have to provide my signature and date of birth?

New security measures have been introduced for postal and proxy voting. All postal and proxy voters were contacted in January 2007 to provide sample signatures and dates of birth. If these were not provided, electors will have lost their entitlement to vote by post or proxy. Electors would then have to cast their vote at the polling station or make a new postal or proxy application.

The signatures and dates of birth will be used to check that your vote is not being used by someone else.

Q.	What happens if I cannot provide a signature?
A.	If you are unable to provide a signature, or require help to complete the form please contact Electoral services on 01932 425650 or via e-mail on Rob.Curtis@runnymede.gov.uk

Do I have to re-apply for a postal vote each year?

You can arrange a postal vote for the following periods:

permanently (until you advise us otherwise);
for a certain election; or
for a defined period.

If you would like to confirm your postal vote arrangements, please contact Runnymede Borough Council on 01932 425650 or e-mail Rob.Curtis@runnymede.gov.uk

Do you have to send my postal vote to my home address? Can it be sent abroad?

The postal vote can now be sent to any address supplied by the elector at the time of application. It is the responsibility of the elector to ensure that Runnymede Borough Council receives the postal vote by the close of polls on polling day.

Please note: if you are already registered for a postal vote, and you would like to change the address to which your postal vote will be sent, you will now need to provide a reason to have your postal vote re-directed.

I've got a postal vote but don't want to use it - can I go to the polling station instead?

You can cancel your postal vote up to 5pm, on the eleventh day before an election.

Once a postal vote has been issued, it cannot be cancelled and the elector cannot go to a polling station to cast a vote. They can return their ballot paper to a polling station, but it must be sealed in the returning envelope together with all completed documentation and handed to the Presiding Officer. It cannot be placed in the ballot box at the polling station.

On polling day I cannot get to the polling station due to unforeseen health reasons. Can I still vote?

If due to health reasons you cannot attend the polling station on the day. it is possible to apply for an emergency proxy vote up until 5pm on polling day. The emergency proxy vote is only for people who could not have applied earlier due to health reasons.

An emergency proxy vote must be attested by a qualified person either a Doctor, Registered Nurse or Christian Science practitioner. If you live in a residential care home or sheltered accommodation the warden or head of home can support the application. For an emergency proxy application form contact Electoral Services on 01932 425650

Poll Cards and Polling Stations FAQ's

Q.	Why have I not received a poll card?
A.	You are probably not on the Runnymede Borough Electoral Register. If you wish to vote in next election you will need to complete a rolling registration form.

I have recently moved house and the poll card I have received shows my old address, what should I do?

You should register to vote at your new address. Make sure that you provide your previous address on your new registration form.

You may have missed the deadline to be registered at your new address for the next election, please look at the dates detailed here as to when we will need to receive your application by. If you have missed the deadline you are still eligible to vote from your old address using the poll card already received.

Q.	I have recently moved house and received two sets of poll cards, one for my new address and one for my old address, what should I do?
A.	If you have not informed us of your previous address you could be registered twice. Please return your poll card showing your old address to the Electoral Services office as soon as possible with correspondence advising of your move and new address. Please note it is an offence to vote twice in the same election.

Where is my polling station?

Details of you polling station will be on your poll card, or you can contact the Elections office on 01932 425650 or follow the link below for details of all polling stations within Runnymede and the streets allocated to each polling station.

Streets for Local Stations

Q.	Do I have to bring my poll card to the polling station to vote?
A.	No, they are purely an aide memoire and a reminder that an election is to take place. You will be asked your name and address by the polling station staff before you are allowed to vote.

I have never voted before, what do I do when I get to the Polling station?

The following summarises the procedure at a polling station, but if you need help or assistance just ask the polling staff - they are there to assist you if you require help:

If you have received a poll card take it with you and show it to the Presiding officer (the polling station staff)
A member of the polling station staff will confirm with you your name and address, write your individual elector number on a list and issue you with your ballot paper/s;
Go to the polling booth and vote in secret marking the ballot paper with a cross. A poster in the voting booth will inform you how many candidates you are entitled to vote for.
Fold the ballot paper/s in half and place it in the ballot box;

The Electoral Commission have produced a very good 'Easy guide to Voting' leaflet.

It is possible that a 'Teller' will ask you for your elector number to mark on their list that you have voted. You do not have to give them your number; the choice is yours, however if you do, they will not be able to determine how you have voted only that you have!

If you have not been able to find an answer to you query please do not hesitate to contact the Elections team on 01932 425650 who will be happy to help.