Canvass email is not a scam

Residents are being asked to look out for the official email versions of this year’s annual electoral canvass by Redditch Borough Council.

The emails will encourage people to check that their electoral information is up to date, as part of the usual annual review of the borough’s electoral register.

Residents for whom the council’s Electoral Services team holds an email address will start getting the emails from Thursday (June 16). The emails will contain instructions on how to check, confirm and/or change the details online in the first instance.

Paper letters will be sent in the post over the coming weeks to anyone who hasn’t provided an email address, or who doesn’t respond to the emails.

Darren Whitney, Electoral Services Manager for Redditch Borough Council, said: “We want to make sure that residents are aware that this is a legitimate email, and it provides the quickest and easiest way to update your details. It also means we don’t have to post out a form to anyone who responds in this way.

“Every year the council is required to conduct the canvass, which helps keep the electoral register correct. Many people might not realise that simply replying to it as soon as possible saves real money. When people don’t reply, we are required to send out reminder letters, and even employ people to knock on doors, which means the cost goes up.

“The official canvass email makes it even easier, so please check your inboxes.”

Residents are reminded to stay alert when it comes to phishing, scam, or spam emails.

Official canvass emails will come exclusively from the council’s Electoral Services team, which is shared with Bromsgrove District Council, from the email address bromsgrove.and.redditch.electoral.shared.services@notifications.service.gov.uk.

The council will never ask for your bank or other personal details via email. If in doubt, contact Electoral Services.

While you must be on the Electoral Register to be able to vote, the canvass communication is not a registration form to vote. To register to vote, go to www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. Unregistered people are not eligible to vote in any election or referendum.

To find out more about the Electoral Register visit www.redditchbc.gov.uk/elections.