Annual Canvass 2026

How we carry out the annual canvass

The annual canvass is conducted each year in order to keep our electoral register up to date. The annual canvass 2026 will commence on Monday 27 July 2026. Before any paper forms are sent out to properties, we will be contacting properties through the Gov.Notify platform to confirm if the information is correct. This stage will only apply to properties where the data matching is successful and who we hold email addresses for. A response to this stage is required however if a response is not received then a paper form will be posted out to the address.

Data matching process

The electoral register is sent securely to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to be matched with their records. The results of the data matching will determine how you are contacted.

  • Route 1 - if all the people registered to vote at the property can be matched
  • Route 2 - if there are people at the property that cannot be matched

Route 1 - Data matched

For properties where all the data has matched, then you will receive a Canvass Communication A form. If the information on this form is correct then you do not need to respond to this letter.

If there is a change you need to make, for example adding or removing an occupant or if you want to change your voting methods - from in person to a postal vote, the quickest way to do this is by doing it on-line following the three steps listed below.

  1. Visit the Household Response website
  2. Log in using the security codes provided
  3. Confirm that the details we hold for the occupants of the property are correct, or make any changes required

Route 2 - Partial or no match

We will send a form (Canvass Communication B ) to the property which will either be:

  • blank if nobody is registered at the property
  • contain details of anyone we have listed as registered at the property
  • Even if there are no changes you must respond to this form if you receive one.

How to respond to the form

To respond, complete the following steps:

  1. Visit the Household Response website
  2. Log in using the security codes provided
  3. Confirm that the details we hold for the occupants of the property are correct, or make any changes required

If we do not receive a response from you, we will make further attempts to get a response. This may include sending your reminder form or a canvasser visiting your property.

Registering to vote

If you add anyone new to your Household Enquiry Form, they will not be automatically registered to vote, and this is a separate process.

We will send out a separate registration application to complete. Alternatively, you can register to vote online.