Surrey Heath residents are being urged to check their electoral registration details or risk losing their chance to vote on decisions that affect them.
With elections due to take place for the new Surrey shadow unitary authorities in May 2026, this is an opportunity for residents to make sure they can take part.
The annual canvass allows Surrey Heath Borough 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.
Nick Steevens, Electoral Registration Officer at Surrey Heath Borough Council, said:
“Please keep an eye out for important updates from Surrey Heath Borough Council about our annual canvass. It is our way of making sure that the information on the electoral register for every address 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 gov.uk/register-to-vote.”
Recent home movers in particular are urged to check their details, as Electoral Commission (EC) research has found that those who have recently moved home are less likely to be registered than those who have lived at the same address for a long time.
In Great Britain, 92% of those who have lived in their home for 16 years will be registered, compared with 36% of people who have lived at an address for less than a year.
Jackie Killeen, EC Director of Electoral Administration and Regulation, said:
“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 gov.uk/register-to-vote.”
Information on registering to vote is also available at our Elections and Voting webpages and the Electoral Commission website.
Residents with questions about their registration status can contact Surrey Heath Borough Council’s electoral services team at vote@surreyheath.gov.uk or by calling 01276 707165.