Almost a third of Isle of Wight households are yet to return their electoral registration forms costing the Isle of Wight Council several thousands pounds.  The forms are sent out annually at the end of August to every home on the Island.

However, the real cost of chasing these householders is more than the £16,000 value of mailing reminders. This figure excludes the cost of officer hours involved with the administration and production of the reminder forms.

It is a legal requirement for the council to canvas the electorate with the forms and failing to respond is an offence. Roughly 30% of the forms sent in August are still outstanding.

To try and ensure people do not lose their right to vote, the Isle of Wight Council sends out reminders to the properties concerned to ensure a full and accurate reply. Anyone who is yet to return their Electoral Form has until the end of September to return them before Reminders are posted.

Isle of Wight Council’s Head of Democratic Services, Chris Mathews said:

“This is a problem that happens each year not only on the Island but across the country and many people may not realise how important it is to return their Electoral Forms.

If the council did not send out reminders, almost a third of Island households could lose their right to vote at elections or referendums. It may also affect the individual’s ability to get credit or a mortgage as the applying process rests on them being registered at a property. I would urge anyone who has not yet returned their forms to fill them in and return them”

IWC Media.