Annual Canvass
The annual canvass usually commences in June and requires that we contact every residential property to confirm that the details we hold for that address are correct. This then allows us to build an up to date and accurate new Electoral Register for publication on 1 December.
Before we start contacting households, we use existing data to judge how accurate we deem our information to be.
The canvass is split into the following routes –
Route One - Matched Properties (where we are confident the details are accurate)
Initially, we will send emails to approximately 25,000 residents of Hull asking them to confirm that the details we hold for the residents registered at their property are correct.
Following this the properties which have not responded to the email (and all other Route One properties for which we do not hold email details) will be sent a letter known as a Canvass Communication A (CCA). This informs the occupier/s of who is currently registered at the address. No response is required to this unless there are changes to be made to the register.
Route Two - Unmatched Properties (where we need to check the details)
We will send a letter known as a Canvass Communication B (CCB) to all Route Two properties informing the householder of who we have registered. This requires either an online or telephone response, even if there are no changes to be made. Instructions on how to do this appear clearly on the letter.
If we do not receive a response to the CCB, a canvass form will then be posted with a reply envelope (a response can still be made online or by telephone).
If we still do not receive a response, a Personal Canvass (door knock) will take place between September and October. At this stage we deploy canvassers to visit non-responding properties to gather the information we need.
Route Three - Special category properties
These are properties such as care homes, houses of multiple occupation and University Campus properties. All of these establishments will be contacted individually by Electoral Services.
