The canvass takes place each year so we can ensure the electoral register is up to date for each household.
We use the information to:
- identify and send an application form to any residents who need to register to vote
- remove any electors who are no longer living at an address
We are currently in the process of contacting all households in Rotherham during August and September. We will do this by email and letter.
The information we send you will explain what you need to do. Not all households need to respond.
If you receive an email from us
If you have provided us with your email address, you may receive an email from us during August asking you to confirm if the electoral register information is correct for your household.
If you respond by Monday 18 August, we will not have to post a paper form to your property.
The emails will be sent using the GOV.UK Notify system and will show as 'Electoral Services – Rotherham Council'.
We will only contact you regarding changes to the way you vote or your entry on the electoral register. Your email address does not appear on the electoral register. If you no longer want to be contacted by the Electoral Registration Officer by email, you can unsubscribe via our online form:
Unsubscribe from email contact by the Electoral Registration Officer
If you receive a form in the post
In the coming weeks, we will be sending letters in the post asking households to check the electoral register information is correct.
You must read your letter carefully as you will need to respond if you:
- are told to do so on the letter we send you
- need to make any changes or additions to the information on your letter
The letters will be addressed to ‘The Resident(s)’ as they are about all the eligible residents at a household and not a particular individual.
Replying to the canvass
If you are asked to reply or need to tell us about any changes, the quickest and easiest way to respond is online via the Household update service website using the security codes on your letter or email.
Respond online using the Household update service website (opens in a new window)
You could be fined £1,000 if you do not tell us about any changes or do not respond when asked to do so.
Providing us with the name of somebody who is not registered does not register them to vote. We will send them the application form they will need to complete, or they can register online.
Register online to vote (opens in a new window)
Postal votes expiring on 31 January 2026
If the letter we sent you shows your postal vote expires on 31 January 2026, you will need to make a new application if you wish to continue voting by post. You can find more information on the reapplying for a postal vote page.
Visit the reapplying for a postal vote page for more information (opens in a new window)
If anyone in your household 17 years of age
Residents who are 17 years of age can register to vote and they will be able to vote as soon as they turn 18 years of age.
Other queries and how to contact us
If you have any queries about responding or about registering to vote, you can contact Electoral Services using our contact form:
The Electoral Services Privacy Notice
The Electoral Services Privacy Notice provides details about how we manage your information.
