Electoral Role

r710

Hi,

Still (!) saving for the fees for my husband to go bankrupt.

We managed to secure a new tenancy a few months ago so, despite the post being redirected from our old address, we're not living in fear of creditors knocking at the door.

A few weeks ago I received a form from the local council, a Voter Registration Form for the Register of Electors 2013. I've been putting off completing it because I'm worried that if I include my husband, it will be a way to trace him to our new address. We now live rurally, with no neighbours and as my husband now has a job working shifts, the knowledge that people might come knocking for him, makes me feel pretty vulnerable.

The form states that I am required by law to give the information asked for. One of the questions is "Have you moved recently?".

I do understand that door step visits are not, in fact, commonplace, but the move allowed us to relax a little. We had one door step visit at the old address and it caused a lot of anxiety.

Does anyone have any advice or reassurance? Feels a little like sending it off will be tantamount to inviting them round!

I'd appreciate any thoughts.

Regards

R710

alastairq

hi..as you note, you have a statutory duty to comply.


However, also note that you have the option, to opt out of having your details placed on the easily-accessible roll.....[not sure off-hand what it is called?]

Usually there is a box to tick for this, at the end of each line?


Thus, once ticked, your names will only appear on the master electoral roll....access to which is carefully monitored, and can cost money.

PippaGirl_2

I personally know hundreds of people who are not on the electoral role and don't send the forms back ....

debtinfo

doesent make it lawfull though.........

PippaGirl_2

I have always completed my forms and always sent them back. Have to say, I had no idea you had to though! Might mention that to the people who tell me they never send theirs back.

Just had the most traumatic abysmal experience of Jury service though so wish I hadn't

alastairq

The statutory requirement is prominently displayed on the forms.

It is in place so that an individual cannot deprive another of the right to vote!

Also there are eligibility issues. [to vote......]

Presence on the electoral role is also a primary security check...should the need arise.

One cold always mention, to those who refuse to have their names on the role...that, in technical terms, they are not actually 'resident' at their abode.

Important regarding driving licences, for example?


And, what is there to hide from? As I said above, the popular electoral roll ..the one easily accessed by, for example, DCAs....can be avoided by ticking a box.

r710

Ok, thank you all for your advice.

Seems I don't have anything to worry about by sending it off, so long as I tick that we don't want to appear on the "edited register for sale".

Really glad I asked, and something less to worry about.

Regards