We are legally required to contact every household in Oldham to ensure the information we hold on the Electoral Register is up to date. Depending on whether we think there have been changes in a household, properties will receive different types of communications from us, each with specific response instructions.
It's important to carefully check the letter you receive and respond accordingly. We strongly encourage you to respond as soon as possible, especially online, using the Household Response website.
If a response is required and we don't hear back from you, we may follow up with further letters, phone call, or visit to your property. Failure to provide the requested information may result in a fine.
For more details about the Annual Canvass, please visit The Electoral Commission Website.
How to respond to the Canvass
We will start sending out canvass letter communications from Thursday 12 September.
When you receive a letter from us asking you to check your details, please follow the instructions and respond. This helps us keep our records up to date and ensures you're ready to vote in future elections.
Only one person in each household needs to reply to complete the process.
If someone new needs to be added to the Electoral Register, include their name and nationality when asked. This applies to everyone over 16 who is eligible to vote.
If someone listed no longer lives at your address, cross their name out on the paper form or remove them online.
If no one at the property is eligible to vote, please tell us why.
Anyone new who is added during the Canvass process must still register to vote separately. The easiest way to apply is on the GOV.UK website
If new voters don’t register online, they’ll get a letter asking them to register, which they must respond to.
Do I need to respond?
When you receive a letter from us, please read it carefully to check if you need to respond. The letter will clearly tell you if a response is required, even if the information is correct.
You must respond if:
- The letter specifically asks you to respond.
- You need to make changes or update the information, such as correcting names, adding or removing residents, or fixing errors.
The letter will include details on how you can respond. The quickest way is to visit the Household Response website and log in with the security codes provided in the letter.
Only one person from your household needs to respond. Once a response is submitted, no one else from your household will be able to send another response.
If you are unable to respond online you can either respond by telephone or by returning the completed form to:
Elections
Oldham Council Offices
Spindles Shopping Centre
George Street
OL1 1HD
Calling us at 0161 770 4718.
Texting NOCHANGE followed by your security code to 80212 (if no changes are needed). Make sure to enter the security code correctly; otherwise, we won’t know that you’ve responded.
Canvass FAQs
I’ve received a Canvass letter. Is it real?
Yes, it’s genuine. Oldham Council is sending out Annual Canvass letters from Thursday 12 September. The letter will direct you to the Household Response website, where you’ll confirm who lives at your address and their voting preferences.
What happens if I don’t respond?
If your letter asks for a response, please reply as soon as possible. Responding early prevents further follow up letters, phone calls, or even a home visit. If you don’t provide the information, you may face a fine.
I’ve recently registered for Council Tax. Does that mean I’m on the Electoral Register?
No, registering for Council Tax doesn’t automatically put you on the Electoral Register. You need to register to vote separately. You can do this quickly on the GOV.UK website in just five minutes.
I’m an EU citizen and completed the EU Voter Confirmation Review (EUVCR). Do I still need to respond to the Canvass?
Yes, the Canvass and EUVCR are different. If you're asked to respond to both, you must do so. Not replying to the EUVCR could result in being removed from the Electoral Register, as it confirms your eligibility to vote.
How is my data kept safe?
Your information is only used for electoral purposes and stored securely, following data protection laws. We won’t share your personal details with other organisations unless required by law. You can read more in our Privacy Notice.
Still have questions?
Contact our Elections Team at 0161 770 4718 or email elections@oldham.gov.uk