Why was I sent a letter after my 17th birthday ordering me to register to vote?

Original post by Palette

If voter registration is compulsory, where do the news stories about 'last minute rushes from younger voter to vote for the EU referendum' come from? They wouldn't have rushed it if they were sent letters before they turned 18 ordering them to register to vote (like I was).

They were sent a,letter but did not respond since they were at uni or had moved. There is also a time limit before the fine.
But they do enforce it and if you get a second reminder they will be your,door in person. Watch out for the bright yellow plastic jacket amd a clip board. Oh, and they will in the day and at night to get you. Many times, at weekly intervals, so you can't hide.

(edited 7 years ago)

Reply 22

returnmigrant

21

Neither being on the Electoral Register or voting is compulsory in Britain.

You can register to vote at 16 so that you are on the Electoral Register IF an election is called once you are 18 (this cuts down on the rush of 18 year olds all registering once an election is declared ....).

Being on the Electoral Register is often used to check your address when taking out finance agreements as it suggests you are more settled/dependable. There are a million ways of tracing people who skip off owing money, being registered to vote is a minor one and only the seriously paranoid would think this is a reason not to vote.

Reply 23

Doones

21

Original post by returnmigrant

Neither being on the Electoral Register or voting is compulsory in Britain.

It's not compulsory to vote, but you can certainly be fined for refusing to go on the Electoral Register.

https://www.gov.uk/electoral-register/overview

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Reply 24

I only signed up when I was eighteen, didn't get any letters or anything :s-smilie:

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Reply 25

Original post by Kay_Winters

I more think the point is the person doesn't have £80, they live at home and are in full time education

You can live at home and be in full time education at 50. What's the difference?

Reply 26

Original post by Andy98

I only signed up when I was eighteen, didn't get any letters or anything :s-smilie:

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The rules have changed.

Reply 27

Original post by returnmigrant

Neither being on the Electoral Register or voting is compulsory in Britain.

You can register to vote at 16 so that you are on the Electoral Register IF an election is called once you are 18 (this cuts down on the rush of 18 year olds all registering once an election is declared ....).

Being on the Electoral Register is often used to check your address when taking out finance agreements as it suggests you are more settled/dependable. There are a million ways of tracing people who skip off owing money, being registered to vote is a minor one and only the seriously paranoid would think this is a reason not to vote.

Refusing to be on the register, sadly, is a matter for which they can now fine you.
They have many reason to do this, tracking you, and as they would say, to avoid election fraud.

Reply 28

Doones

21

Original post by Andy98

I only signed up when I was eighteen, didn't get any letters or anything :s-smilie:

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It was introduced by the coalition gov.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-introduces-legislation-for-individual-electoral-registration

Reply 29

Original post by claireestelle

Well it's supposedly not good for getting credit if you aren't on the electoral roll

It takes quite a few points off if you are not registered to vote.

Reply 30

SakuraCayla

14

Original post by Theplace

You can live at home and be in full time education at 50. What's the difference?

A 17 year old at home in full time education is unlikely to have £80 to pay the fine. The 50 year old, who would likely have to be paying for their education as it is, is more likely to have that money.

Reply 31

That is quite an assumption. They would also have less momey if they are paying for their own education. However, a fine is a fine. Ask Daddy to pay.
The problem lies in the fact that you don't want to be forced sign up to vote.
Is there a reason. That should be the debate, not the fine, which comes as a shock or seems like a fraud, because you have not seen a fine before.
If your parents owned a restaurant you would have heard of government fines for this and that.

(edited 7 years ago)

Reply 32

Original post by Theplace

The rules have changed.

Since the end of May??

Original post by jneill

It was introduced by the coalition gov.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-introduces-legislation-for-individual-electoral-registration

I'm not saying it wasn't, just that I hadn't heard anything about it

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Reply 33

Just don't be surprised why they show,up at your door...again and again.....

Original post by Andy98

Since the end of May??

I'm not saying it wasn't, just that I hadn't heard anything about it

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Reply 34

Original post by Theplace

Just don't be surprised why they show,up at your door...again and again.....

What are you on about? I told you I signed up in time for the referendum

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Reply 35

Original post by Andy98

What are you on about? I told you I signed up in time for the referendum

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So why are you kvetching?

Reply 36