Having chatted to many people whilst campaigning I am alarmed by the number of people who have told me they are no longer on the register. Everyday when I go onto facebook I read similar stories. This takes me to the reason why I am contacting you.
Below is a quote currently on Glasgow councils electoral webpage: "The electoral registration system changed in September 2014 to a new system of Individual Electoral Registration (IER). Each individual is required to register themselves and provide a few more details including your National Insurance number."
Could you please answer these question?:
1) Why were changes made?
2) Why ( according to the quote above ) do individuals need to go out their way to register rather than have a convenient system that reminds them IE a letter from their local electoral office?
3) Do all applications now get processed in England by the DWP and do they have a traffic light policy of green,amber and red? If correct, did applications before September 2014 get processed in England? Did the DWP process applications before the 18th of September 2014?
4) Since the new rules were introduced has there been a reduction of people on the register in Scotland since the 18th of September?
5) Why does the system now require additional information? Is this effecting the numbers on the register?
6) Are you aware of any suspect websites claiming to be able to process applications? I consider this to be a very important subject which does require clarification.
Based on what I am hearing out on the streets and online, many people will be left disappointed after May the 7th when ( for what ever reason ) they will have not been able to vote.
To prevent disappointment can the electoral roll issue an online statement and possibly try to clarify the new rules to a much wider audience?
I realise that I have raised several concerns and questions with you. I would really appreciate your assistance with all of the above.
Reproduced with the kind permission of Martin Monaghan, SNP activist.
