A RECORD number of Hackney households have returned their electoral registration form this year, meaning there are now 10,000 more residents able to vote.

Ninety per cent of all homes in Hackney have responded to the annual canvass, which closed on Friday (27 November). This is a six per cent increase on 2008, the highest Hackney has seen in recent times.

Residents received forms hand-delivered through their letterboxes in August earlier this year, with reminder letters sent in recent weeks, as well as door-knockers being out and about for the whole of October. Details could also be confirmed via text message, online, or through a 24-hour freephone number.

It means that more people are now able to take part in local democracy by being eligible to vote, with the Hackney Council and Mayoral elections to be held on 6 May next year.

Credit reference companies also use the electoral register to check addresses for those who seek credit such as a mortgage or a loan.

Cllr Karen Alcock, Deputy Mayor of Hackney, said: “Democracy is one of the cornerstones of our society, and so it is important that Hackney residents participate by adding their name to the electoral register. This is a good result, but there is still more to be done.”

The annual canvass is part of a long-standing legal obligation for councils to encourage more people to get on the electoral register, although recent legislation has permitted residents to apply on a rolling monthly basis.

However, signing up for other Council services, including paying Council Tax, does not register residents to vote and does not count towards the annual canvass.

If you still haven’t added your name to the electoral register, or have only recently moved into the borough, find out how to register by contacting Electoral Services on 020 8356 3000, email info@hackney.gov.uk or visit www.hackney.gov.uk/elections-electoral-register.