Annual Canvass

Every year, the council must confirm the names and addresses of everyone eligible to be on the register of electors – the list of those who can vote at elections and referendums. 

In Wales, young people can register from the age of 14 and vote in some elections at 16. Foreign nationals are also able to vote in Welsh elections. 

The canvass is carried out in July and August. 

If we have your email address, you will receive a canvass email. If we do not have an email address for you – or you don’t respond to the email – you will receive a canvass letter. 

Please check your email or letter carefully as you must respond if required. 

Information on how to respond will be explained in your email or letter. 

You can add a new eligible person by filling in their details or remove someone by crossing them out.  

Please note: if there is a new eligible person in your household, they will need to register to vote separately. This can be done online, or we will send a registration form in the post. 

If you would prefer to receive your canvass via email in the future, please indicate when you return your paper form.    

Why you must respond if required: 

It is compulsory – failure could lead to a court appearance, a fine of up to £1,000 and a criminal record. 

• Only those on the register are allowed to vote. 
• Non-registration may affect your ability to open a bank account, take out a mortgage, or buy things on credit. 
• Juries are summoned using the electoral register. 

The open register is extracted from the electoral register. To opt out of the open register, contact voting@torfaen.gov.uk or call the elections office on 01495 762200.