Council Chief's threat of fines for voter registration resfuseniks
Selby residents who ignore requests for them to register to vote could find themselves with an expensive fine to pay, Selby Council's Chief Executive has warned.
Politics & local government
The warning, made by new Chief Executive Mary Weatsell, comes in the wake of changes to the electoral system that require each individual living in the district to take care of their own registration, no longer relying on the head of the household to register on their behalf.
Reminders are now being sent out by the Council to homes where exisiting voters have declines to re-register under the new scheme. These will be followed up by visits by Council employees unless a reply is received.
Additionally, visits will be be made to homes where the Council has been previously had no response from a Houshold Enquiry form, leaving it unable to identify who is living at a particular address.
The Council has said that its staff will endevour to encourage residents to enroll under the new electoral system but warned of fines where residents refused to do so.
Council Chief Executive Officer, Mary Weastell said, “Many residents don't realise that it is a legal requirement to be registered to vote. Even if you don't use that vote in elections or referendums you must still be on the electoral register and failure to do so can result in an £80 fine.
“Similarly, it is a legal requirement to return a Household Enquiry Form even if you are already registered to vote and pay council tax as it is not always clear from these records how many people in the household are eligible to vote. If this form is not returned then residents could face an even bigger fine of £1000.”
The Council says it's employees will be trained to answer queries and concerns electors have and to help them to complete their forms. Visitors will carry photo ID with them at all times.
If residents have any questions or would like more information on the recent changes to electoral registration they can contact 01757 705101 or email electoralregistration@selby.gov.uk.