Oxfordshire residents are being encouraged to check their electoral registration details as councils carry out the annual canvass, with significant local elections expected as the county’s local government arrangements change.
The annual electoral register update is taking place between August and November, with councils contacting households to check that the information held on the electoral register is correct.
In Oxford, emails began being sent in late August, with electoral registration forms being delivered to homes from early September. The council says the form will explain whether residents need to take any action.
Residents who are asked to respond should do so as soon as possible. Those who do not respond may receive reminders and, in October and November, could be visited by a canvasser.
The updated electoral register for 2027 will be published on 01 December 2026.
Check if you have moved
Residents who have moved house should pay particular attention to their registration details.
You need to register to vote again when you move home, as registration does not automatically transfer to your new address.
Registration can be completed online through gov.uk/register-to-vote.
The electoral register is also updated monthly outside the annual canvass, so residents do not need to wait for the annual process to register.
Elections and local government reorganisation
The annual canvass comes as Oxfordshire faces major changes to its local government structure.
The county currently has Oxfordshire County Council and five district or city councils: Cherwell, Oxford City, South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse and West Oxfordshire.
The government has announced plans to replace the existing councils with three new unitary authorities covering Oxfordshire and West Berkshire.
Under the timetable announced in July, elections to the new councils’ shadow authorities were due to take place in May 2027, with the new councils expected to take over in April 2028.
The timetable is now being reviewed by the government. Oxfordshire County Council has said the local government reorganisation timetable is likely to be delayed by a year, although this has not yet been confirmed.
The exact arrangements for the next local elections therefore remain subject to the outcome of that review.
For residents, checking their electoral registration details now means they will be ready to vote when the next elections take place.
First-time voters
The annual canvass is also an opportunity to make sure eligible young people are included on the electoral register.
People can register from the age of 16, although they cannot vote until they are 18.
Students can also register at both their home and university addresses in certain circumstances, although the rules governing voting from two addresses differ between local and national elections.
Anyone who is unsure whether they are registered should contact their local electoral services team to check.
Being registered to vote is not automatic, even if you pay council tax.
With the next round of local elections and Oxfordshire’s future council structure still being worked through, checking your electoral registration details now is a simple step to make sure you are ready to have your say when the time comes.
