Annual Elector Canvass
Between July and November 2026 we will be carrying out our Annual Elector Canvass of properties in the Ashford area. This is to confirm who lives at the address and check who is eligible to vote, to ensure that the electoral register is correct and up to date.
Key Dates
- The annual canvass begins on 1 July each year
- Canvass emails and forms will be sent up until the end of October
- The revised electoral register is published by 1 December.
How We Contact You
We will be sending emails to some electors to confirm or update their household’s details on the electoral register. These emails will be sent out around 11 September 2026 from vote@ashford.gov.uk and will direct you to https://householdresponse.com/ashford. To respond you need to enter both parts of the security code sent to you, along with your postcode. If we don't get a response, we will send you reminder emails and paper forms.
Canvass Communication B (CCB) Form
We will be sending CCB forms to some properties from 23 July. You must respond to this form even if the details listed are correct. The form will be addressed to the ‘Occupier’ rather than a named individual.
Canvass Form
We will then send Canvass forms from 1 September to properties that have not responded to the CCB form. You must respond to this form even if the details listed are correct. The form will be addressed to the ‘Occupier’ rather than a named individual.
Canvass Communication A (CCA) Form
We will send CCA forms from 12 October to properties that did not receive a CCB or Canvass form and did not respond to a previous email. You only need to respond to this form if any of the details are incorrect. The form will be addressed to the ‘Occupier’ rather than a named individual.
Personal Visits to Properties
Households that don’t respond to earlier communications may be visited by a canvasser. Canvassers will visit properties across the borough in October and November to confirm the details of those living at the property. Our canvassers carry photo ID.
Why Registration Matters
You need to be on the electoral register to vote in all UK elections and referendums. You are not automatically registered even if you pay council tax. Not being registered will also affect your credit rating.
It is a legal requirement to provide information requested by the Electoral Registration Officer.
Eligibility for Registration
You can register to vote if you are:
- Resident (usually live) in England and aged 16 or over (but you will not be able to vote until you are aged 18).
You must also be either:
- A British citizen or Irish citizen
- A Commonwealth citizen (including Maltese and Cypriot) who has permission to enter or stay in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man, or who does not need permission
- A European Union (EU) citizen of Denmark, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, or Spain who has permission to enter or stay in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man, or who does not need permission
- A European Union (EU) citizen of any other EU country who on or before 31 December 2020 had permission to enter or stay in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man, or who did not need permission, and this has continued without a break.
The EU citizens described above can vote in local elections, Police and Crime Commissioner elections, Mayor of London, and London Assembly elections only.
