Sutton Council are  calling on people to ensure they are registered to vote as the biggest changes to the electoral registration system in 100 years are implemented across the UK.

Under the old system, the ‘head of household’ registered all those living at their address. However, under the new Individual Electoral Registration system, which was introduced in June, individuals are now responsible for registering themselves.

The changes require all those registering to provide their name, address, National Insurance number and date of birth when applying. The new system also means that for the first time people can now register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

Most people who are already registered to vote will be automatically transferred on to the new system and will not need to do anything as the Council compared its electoral register with Department for Work and Pensions records.

Sutton Electoral Services will be writing to everyone on the old register in the coming weeks to either confirm that they are registered on the new system or inform them that they need to take action.

People who have moved house recently may not receive their letter and will need to re-register under the new system.

Students can register at both their term time address and home address.

There are also people in Sutton who are not registered to vote at all and need to register to be able to have their say in elections or referendums. Those who were not registered previously, or need to re-register because they have recently changed address, can register under the new system at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

Niall Bolger, Returning Officer said

“The Council has a job to ensure an accurate electoral register, it is extremely important that all adults and young people over the age of 16 living in the Borough are included.

“This new legislation is a big change to the voter registration system, so we are working to make certain that people have the information they need to make sure they are on the new electoral register.

“It is important that those who have been registered previously know they may need to register themselves again; so please look out for your letter coming in the post and make sure you respond. If you do not receive a letter then please contact our Electoral Services office or register online – it’s quick and easy.

“We would urge people to get registered as soon as possible to protect their right to vote in local elections and referendums.”

Under the new legislation, an £80 fine can be imposed against those who fail to register when required to do so by the given deadline.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               fail

This would only apply in cases where the elector fails to respond to a series of invitations and reminders to register.

Anyone who is unsure whether they are registered under the new system or would like further information can contact Sutton Council’s Electoral Services on 020 8770 4179

People can register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

For further information about electoral registration in Sutton, visit the Council’s website at www.sutton.gov.uk/yourvotematters

More details about the national changes to the electoral registration system are available at www.gov.uk/yourvotematters