Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Why I have received this e-mail and others in my household have not received an e-mail ?
You have received this email as you have previously registered your email with us. You can unsubscribe from receiving our emails. You can use the unsubscribe link either by clicking on the link in the e-mail that has been sent you or contact us via elections@cherwell-dc.gov.uk
My security codes have already been used?
If you or someone in your household has already used the security codes, or started to complete the form and then stopped, you will not be able to use them again.
If you have no changes to your household details and you can’t use your security codes, you should call the elections helpline on 01295 227005 where a customer service advisor will be able to assist you.
I’ve forgotten to change some details/add a new person on and I’ve already replied online!
If you have changes that need to be made to your form, you can either email the Elections team via elections@cherwell-dc.gov.uk or make the necessary amendments on the form itself and return it in the post to Electoral Office, PO Box 720, Bodicote, Banbury, OX16 6LR.
Do I list everyone who lives in the property?
You need to include the name and nationality of everyone aged 16 or over who is resident and eligible to register to vote. If there are no eligible residents, you should state why this is the case.
How do I know who is eligible to vote?
Find out who is eligible to vote.
My son/daughter is living away at university, should I register them here or at home?
Your son/daughter can register at their home address as well as their university address, but must not vote more than once in the same election.
This means they can vote in local elections at both addresses as long as they are in different local government areas, but cannot vote at both addresses in a Parliamentary election.
European Union Citizens
European Union citizens are no longer automatically entitled to register to vote and stand for election. We are required to conduct a review of all EU citizens registered to vote and will therefore contact all EU citizens listed at the property separately.
Why should I respond to the form?
• It is compulsory to respond to the form. You could be fined up to £1000 if you do not.
• Only those on the electoral register can vote. If you are not registered to vote, you cannot help decide who represents you or your local area, or who forms the next government.
• The law allows legally registered credit reference agencies to purchase a copy of the register to help with fraud checks. If you are not on the electoral register, this could impact on your credit score.
• Juries are summoned using the electoral register.
• To help detect crime and prevent fraud.
Will my personal details on the register be sold or used for other purposes?
There are two versions of the electoral register, the full and the open register. Find out more about the full and open versions of the register.
Why do you need my contact details?
We find it extremely useful to have either a telephone number or email address. If we have a query during the canvass or in the run up to an election, we may need to contact you urgently and this helps us to do so.
We do not share these details with anyone else, they are purely for the use of the Electoral Services Officer.
Why do people over 76 years old have to be identified?
If you are over 76, please do indicate this. The law sets out that anyone over 75 is not eligible to perform Jury Services. We have to provide this information to the Jury Summoning Service so they know not to contact you.