Press Release

REGISTER TO VOTE AND DON'T MISS OUT

3 November 2006

The deadline to ensure you do not miss out on your vote is looming. And as part of its ongoing Register to Vote campaign, Camden Council is warning residents they have until 30 November to update their details and complete an electoral registration form or risk losing their vote.

There is added incentive for residents who have recently moved to the Kentish Town ward to register. Unless they return their form before the deadline, they may not be able to vote in the upcoming by-election on 7 December. Registration forms are used to update the annual Electoral Register that the council must publish in early December.

Being on the register helps in many other ways. It ensures that residents can get a credit rating that can help with finances, and is a proof of address.

Moira Gibb, Chief Executive of Camden Council, said: “Voting is your best way to have a say on how things are run in Camden. And as the upcoming by-election shows, elections can happen at any time. So, its important you ensure all your details are up-to-date.

“The Electoral Register is more than just about your vote though. It’s used by many agencies as a proof of address. If your name is not on the register it can be harder to get the best deal on many services and to apply for things like bank accounts and parking permits.”

The council’s ongoing campaign to increase the number of people registering and voting has already had a significant impact. Last year over 87 per cent (up from 76 per cent in 2004) of homes in the borough returned forms ahead of the local elections, one of the highest levels in inner London. 

May 2006 also saw Camden’s highest local election turnout for many years with 37.5 per cent of people using their vote. This is up nearly ten percentage points on the turnout in 2002, and the fifth highest increase in turnout in the local elections in London.

If you have any question about completing your registration form or voting and elections in general, please contact Electoral Services either by phone on 020 7974 3606, email at electoral.services@camden.gov.uk or in person at Room 11 Camden Town Hall, Judd Street, WC1H 9LZ.