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Annual Canvass 2023

Every year Electoral Registration Officers are required by law to conduct an Annual Canvass of Electors.
The way we carry out the canvass changed. This means that the type of correspondence sent to properties and how you should respond will vary.

You will receive either a:

  • CCA form - You only need to respond if there are any changes to be made.
  • CCB form - You must respond to update the details for the address.
  • Canvass form - You must respond to update the details for the address.

Each form of correspondence will explain what you need to do. Read it carefully and follow the instructions.

Canvass Email Communications

Last year we sent around 32,000 canvass communications by email – that’s thousands less canvass communications being printed and posted. It is easier to respond, better for the environment and a more cost effective communication.   

Any electors that we hold an email address for will receive an email communication. If you receive an email communication, you must respond. The email will direct you towards https://www.elecreg.co.uk/rct-e where you will be able to complete the online response.

The emails will be sent from: Gwasanaethau Etholiadol - RCT - Electoral Services - gwasanaethau.etholiadol.rct.electoral.services@notifications.service.gov.uk. This is an official email account that we use for these communications.

What you need to do

When you receive correspondence from us, then you must respond appropriately and as quickly as possible. It is easier and quicker to respond online. When providing your response, remember to:

  • Check that all the details are correct
  • Add any missing names that should be on the electoral register. Remember, everyone who lives in Wales and is 14 or over can now register to vote, but you will not be able to vote in local council elections or Senedd elections until you are 16. You will not be able to vote in UK Parliamentary or Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) elections until you are 18
  • Remove the names of people that are no longer residing at the address
  • Confirm that everything is correct, even if there are no changes

What happens if you don’t respond when required to?

  • Every property is legally required to check that the information on the correspondence is correct and let us know if there are any changes. If you do not, you may get a fine. This is to ensure that the revised electoral register is as complete and up to date as possible when it is published.
  • If we do not receive a response from our correspondence, we will make every attempt to get a response from you. This may be by sending reminder forms by post or by email or by a visit from one of our canvassers to your property.
  • If you don’t respond, we may remove your name from the electoral register. This means you will no longer be eligible to vote, and your credit score will be affected.

Frequently asked questions

I have received an email to confirm my household details, is this a genuine email?

Yes – To try and reduce paper usage, any electors that we hold an email address for will receive an email communication. If you receive an email communication, you must respond. The email will direct you towards https://www.elecreg.co.uk/rct-e where you will be able to complete the online response.

I have received an email addressed to another member of my household is this correct?

Yes – if another member of your household has used your email address for registration purposes, and has agreed to be contacted by email then this will be linked to the elector. Only one person in the household needs to respond to the communication. If you would like to update your email preference, then please contact Electoral Services.

Can I unsubscribe from receiving these emails?

Yes – please email electoralservices@rctcbc.gov.uk to unsubscribe. All future canvass communications will be sent via post.

Somebody else in my house has received the email but I am the homeowner, what do I do?

Any electors that we hold an email address for will receive an email communication, but only one person in the household needs to respond to it. If you would like to update your email preference, then please contact Electoral Services.

Multiple people in my household have received the email, do we all have to respond to it?

Only one person in the household needs to respond to the communication. If you would like to update your email preference, then please contact Electoral Services.

My security codes don’t work on the online portal, what do I do?

If the details are correct and there are no changes to be made, you can respond by SMS or by calling the Freephone service. Alternatively, you can complete and return the form, or contact Electoral Services who will update your details and process your response for you. 

What happens if I don’t respond when required to?

Every property is legally required to check that the information on the correspondence is correct and let us know if there are any changes. If you do not, you may get a fine. This is to ensure that the revised electoral register is as complete and up to date as possible when it is published.

If we do not receive a response from our correspondence, we will make every attempt to get a response from you. This may be by sending reminder forms by post or by email or by a visit from one of our canvassers to your property.

If you don’t respond, we may remove your name from the electoral register. This means you will no longer be eligible to vote, and your credit score will be affected.