The Electoral Registration Officer has a duty to ensure that the register of electors is up to date and accurate. One of the ways we do this is by the Annual Canvass. Every year we write to each address in North Tyneside to check the details we hold are correct.
Residents are encouraged to look out for letters and canvass forms being delivered to homes across the Borough over the coming weeks to help the Council identify all those entitled to vote.
With elections taking place in North Tyneside in May 2027, this is an important opportunity for residents to make sure they can take part.
The annual canvass ensures the Council can keep the Electoral Register up to date, identifying any residents who are not registered and encouraging them to do so.
It is a legal requirement that we send out letters regarding the canvass and if we ask you for information, it is also a legal requirement for you to provide this; if you don’t you could be fined £1,000.
The 2026 Canvass
Before we write out to each household, we will match the information we hold with government records and this match will determine what type of communication you will receive from us.
In July, those properties whose details completely matched government records will receive an email, where we hold an email address, asking them to confirm the details held on the register or amend where necessary. This email comes via the Gov.Notify service and is not spam. It must be responded to.
Those properties whose details match but who we don't hold an email for and those properties who haven't responded to the email will receive a letter. This will be sent from mid-September to mid-October and does not require a response.
For properties where the details partially matched or did not match government records, a personal visit will be carried out in the first instance. We will have a team of canvassers out in the borough throughout late July and August, verifying the details we hold or making amendments where necessary. All of canvassers will have ID badges and their identification can be verified by contacting us. Canvassers will make at least 2 attempts to contact you before posting a canvass form through your door. Canvass forms must be responded to, even if no changes are needed. Residents are encouraged to respond on the doorstep but if they are unable to, they can complete the form online, where they will be able to:
- amend a name
- add the names, and nationality, of any new occupants
- remove the names of those who no longer live at the address
- confirm there are no changes needed
- request a postal vote application form
- make changes to the open register
If we don't receive a response to a canvass form, we are required by law to contact you with a reminder and then a second reminder if needed. Please help us to avoid having to contact you further by responding to the canvass form as soon as possible
How to respond to your form
Online
(You can response to confirm no changes using this method)
- Call 0800 8840701
- When prompted enter part one and part two of your security code (detailed on your form).
- You cannot add or remove anyone or make changes by this response method.
By phone
(You can response to confirm no changes using this method)
- Call 0800 8840701
- When prompted enter part one and part two of your security code (detailed on your form).
- You cannot add or remove anyone or make changes by this response method.
By text
(You can response to confirm no changes using this method)
• Text NOCHANGE (all block capital and no space between words)
• Followed by parts one and two of your security code to 80212
• You cannot add or remove anyone or make any changes using this response method.
REMEMBER: If you are asked to provide information, please do this as soon as possible to avoid reminders being sent.
The Register of Electors will be used from 1 December 2026 to 30 November 2027.
For further information contact North Tyneside Council's Electoral Team on (0191) 643 2270 or email elections@northtyneside.gov.uk