Every year, we must check that the details on the electoral register are correct. That’s why we’re getting in touch with every household in Oldham.
Depending on whether we think your household’s details have changed, you’ll get a different type of letter from us. Each letter will include clear instructions on what to do.
Please read your letter carefully and respond as soon as you can.
If your letter says you must reply and we don’t hear from you, we may send more letters, phone you, or visit your home. You could be fined if you don’t give us the information we ask for.
For more information about the annual canvass, visit the Electoral Commission website.
Final canvass checks: doorstep and phone contact
The ‘door knock’ stage marks the final phase of the canvass and will take place from Thursday 11 September to Sunday 29 September. During this period, canvassers will visit properties in Oldham that have not responded to previous canvass forms, in order to confirm that the name and address details on the electoral register are correct.
They will also collect details of any new residents to begin the registration process.
Although a letter and form have already been sent to these properties, no response has been received, so a doorstep visit is now required.
All canvass staff will carry an Oldham Council photo ID badge, which they are required to show at the door. They will also have pre-printed forms to complete during the visit.
Please note: canvassers will never enter a property — all visits will be carried out at the doorstep.
In addition, the Elections Team is conducting telephone canvassing for households where we hold contact details but have not yet received a response to our letter.
How to respond
Online:
The quickest way to reply is online at:
Use the security codes included in your letter.
Other ways to respond:
If you can’t go online, you can:
Call us on 0161 770 4718
Return the completed paper form to:
Elections
Oldham Council Offices
Spindles Shopping Centre
George Street
OL1 1HD
Text NOCHANGE followed by your security code to 80212 (only if no changes are needed). Make sure the code is correct so we can confirm your response.
We’ll start sending out canvass letters from Thursday 3 July.
When your letter arrives, check the details and follow the instructions. This helps keep the electoral register up to date and makes sure you’re ready to vote.
Only one person in each household needs to respond.
If someone new lives at your address and is eligible to vote, add their name and nationality. This applies to anyone aged 16 or over.
If someone listed no longer lives there, cross out their name on the paper form or remove them online.
If no one in the household is eligible to vote, let us know the reason.
Register to vote
Anyone added during the canvass still needs to register to vote separately. The easiest way is to visit:
- Register to vote – GOV.UK
If they don’t register online, they’ll receive a letter asking them to do so — and they must reply.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to respond?
Check your letter carefully. It will clearly say if you need to respond — even if all the details are correct.
You must reply if:
- the letter asks you to respond
- you need to make any changes, like correcting names, adding or removing people, or fixing errors
I’ve received a canvass letter. Is it real?
Yes, it’s real. Oldham Council is sending out annual canvass letters starting Thursday 3 July. The letter will ask you to confirm who lives at your address and their voting details by visiting:
www.householdresponse.com/oldham
What happens if I don’t respond?
If your letter says you need to reply, please do so as soon as possible. If we don’t hear from you, we may send more letters, call you, or visit your home. You could also be fined for not responding.
I’ve just registered for Council Tax. Am I already on the electoral register?
No. Registering for Council Tax does not mean you're registered to vote. You must register to vote separately. It’s quick and easy to do online at the GOV.UK website:
- Register to vote – GOV.UK
How is my information kept safe?
Your information is only used for elections and is stored securely. We follow data protection laws and won’t share your details with anyone unless the law says we must. You can find out more in our privacy notice.
Contact
If you have any questions please contact our Elections Team:
- Phone: 0161 770 4718
- Email: elections@oldham.gov.uk