Between 11 October and 12 November 2008, every household that has not yet returned their annual Electoral Registration form will be paid a visit by an Electoral Registration Canvasser. The Canvasser is responsible for collecting information from a household member about registering to vote. This information is required by law.

The Canvasser will make up to two visits to these households; if they cannot make contact with the occupier, they will leave a registration form at the property, with a pre-paid return envelope.

Remember that you have to register by law. Anyone failing to supply the canvasser with the information they require, or to return a form, may not be registered to vote in 2009 and they may have difficulty getting credit.

If you want to talk to us about registering to vote or if a canvasser has visited you and you want to talk about the visit, please contact Electoral Services at the Council House:

Telephone: 01332 255200
Minicom:    01332 256666
Email:        elections@derby.gov.uk 

If you have a question it may be included in the frequently asked questions below.

I have recently registered do I still need to fill in this form?
If you have already made a new application to be added to the electoral register before 11 August then your name will be added to the September updates to the register. We will already have acknowledged your original application by writing to you if this is the case. You will still need to fill in the annual Register of Electors form as well, otherwise your names may not stay on the register when it is re-published on 1 December 2008.

Is this a bit like collecting information for the Census?
This form is nothing to do with the Census, this form is only to enable us to compile an accurate register of electors. If you do not fill out the form your name may not appear on the register and you will not be able to vote at the next election.

The form sent to my address has the names of people who do not live here on it what do I do?
All forms contain the pre-printed details of the electors who are currently listed at that address. If the pre-printed people no longer live at your address please cross those names out and add your names to the form.

The information on the form is correct and no changes are needed what do I do?
If there are no changes to the pre-printed details then you are able to call our freephone number 0800 197 5576 or use the internet registration website or sms text service. A security code has been randomly generated for your use, please follow the instructions included on the form to use this service.

I am a citizen of a European or Commonwealth country do I still need to be registered?
If you are from a European Union or Commonwealth country then please state your nationality on the form (if you are unsure of your nationality, please list the nationality shown on your passport).

I will be moving house after 15 October do I still need to send back the form?
If you are moving house after 15 October 2008 then you should complete the form, you will also need to complete a rolling registration form once you have moved.

I don't think anyone in our house is eligible to register do I still need to send the form back?
If there is no one eligible to be registered at your address then please state this on the form in section 2. If you are unsure as to whether you qualify to register please look at who can vote or contact electoral services.

Why do I have to identify people over 70 years old on the form?
If you are over 70, please indicate this in the 'Jury service exemption' section of the form. Anyone over 70 is no longer eligible to perform Jury service and we have to supply this information to the Jury Summoning Service.

My 16/17 year old is not old enough to vote why do I put them on the form?
We only need dates of birth for 16 and 17 year olds, if you are over 18 you do not need to include your date of birth. By putting their names on the form you can make sure that they can vote when they reach 18.

I am concerned that by putting my personal details in the register my details will be sold on or used for other purposes, what should I do?
Make sure you tick the Edited register column if you do not want you name to appear on the Edited register. The council must make the Edited register available for general sale and it can be used for any purpose. Everyone will be included in the Full register, which is used for voting purposes and supplied to the Credit Reference Agencies.

I want to apply for a postal vote what should I do?
If you would like a postal vote application form, please tick the Postal vote section of the form. We will send out all applications once the register is published. If there is a pre-printed tick in this column, this mean you already have postal vote arrangements in place. If you wish to continue with these arrangements then do not amend this section. If you wish to cancel the postal vote, cross out the pre-printed tick. Electoral Services will write to you to confirm any cancellations.

I want to apply for someone to act as my proxy what should I do?
If you would like to vote by proxy please contact the electoral services office or write the words 'proxy' in the postal vote section of the form and we will send you an application form. You need to have a reason to vote by proxy, such as a disability or you will be unable to attend the polling station due to your employment.

I am currently serving in the armed forces how should I register?
Services Electors (Army, Navy, etc) can now register in either of two ways. They may be included on the Annual Canvass form or they may register specifically as a service voter. If you wish to register as a service voter do not put your name on the form but please contact electoral services to find out how to register. Note that recent changes to legislation mean that service voters will only have to register once every three years.

I am currently living overseas but still want to be registered to vote?
Overseas Electors should not be included in the form. If you are living overseas permanently and are unsure of how to register please contact electoral services.

Can I still register to vote although I am working overseas?
If you are working away from home for less than six months then your name can be included on the form.

I am a student should I register for where I live during term time or where I live during the holidays?
Students can register twice. Both at their parents home and at their term time address (such as a university residence, or shared house).

Should I include tourists or guests living in my home on the form?
Do not include people who are staying on holiday or who are short term guests. If you have a lodger who lives in the house with you they should be included on the form