Annual Canvass

The annual canvass makes sure that we can keep the electoral register up to date. It helps us to identify any residents who are not registered to vote so that they can be encouraged to do so.

Each year we must, by law, contact all residential properties in Wigan to ensure we have the correct eligible residents registered to vote at a property. The annual household canvass takes place between August and December. Information from the canvass is used to update the electoral register.

We do this by:

  • inviting new residents to register to vote
  • removing the names of voters who no longer live at an address
  • confirming that the details that we hold for existing properties are correct

Changes to the register during the canvass period will take effect on 1 December 2023 when the revised register is published. The electoral register will be used for any elections held.

By telling us about any changes as soon as possible, the process will run smoothly and there will be no need for personal contact from an inspector. All households in Wigan will still be contacted but the format of the correspondence and the date that it is sent may vary.

The information below will tell you how we will contact you and what to do next.

How we will contact you

From 22nd August 2023 we will be contacting households for which we hold an email address. Some households will also start to receive paper forms by post from the 23rd August 2023.

Not all residents will receive a contact at the same time. You may be contacted by:

  • email from Wigan Council - wiganelectoral@householdresponse.com
  • letter
  • telephone or in person by an Electoral Services Canvasser

Responding after receiving an email

We are using emails to reduce the cost of obtaining information from our residents. It will lower the number of paper forms being printed - saving thousands of sheets of paper. It will also save the council a significant expense on postage. 

Please help us by responding to our request for information as quickly as possible.

  • The sender of the email will be Wigan Council - wiganelectoral@householdresponse.com

This is an official email account that we use.  You cannot reply directly to this email.

If you do not confirm your household's details online - we will be legally required to send a paper form to your property.  If you update or confirm your details online, you do not need to return your paper form.

If you have any questions about how to respond, email elections@wigan.gov.uk

What to do if you need to make changes

You'll need the security codes on your canvass form to make any changes. You can:

If you have no changes to make, you can also respond by:

  • Calling 0800 197 9871 and when prompted entering part 1 and part 2 of your security code.

Please respond straightaway. We are required by law to send reminders to get up to date information if we do not receive a prompt response.

If you do not have your form to hand, have lost it or have any further questions you can call us on 01942 827168.

Please remember that adding a name to the form does not register that individual on the electoral register. They must also register to vote online (external link) or complete an Invitation to Register form.

Invitations to Register

If you add a name to the canvass form, we will send an Invitation to Register form to eligible individuals by post. You can use the form or register to vote online (external link).

You can register to vote online before you receive an Invitation to Register form but you must also tell us about any changes to your household on your canvass form.

You can also use this service to update your name, address or other details. It takes less than 5 minutes and saves the council money on printing and postage.

To register, you'll need your National Insurance number and date of birth. Your National Insurance number can be found on:

  • Your National Insurance card or letter
  • Official paper work such as payslips
  • Letters about tax or benefits.

If you cannot find your National Insurance number, you will need to arrange to have it sent to you by the government. If you have not been given a National Insurance number, you'll need to provide a reason when applying. We will then contact you for further evidence about your identity.

© Wigan Council