Church Electoral Roll
All members of the Church of England (or of a Church in communion with the Church of England) who are baptised (christened) and over the age of 16, and who are either resident in the parish or have habitually attended public worship here for the last 6 months are eligible to join the Church Electoral Roll. Those approaching 16 may apply and are added on their birthday.
Each year the deadline for new applications is determined by the date of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (The APCM, similar to an AGM) after which date the revised electoral roll will be displayed. This year the APCM is being held on the 21st April 2024. Applications must be made by the 5th April 2024.
Existing members of the Roll do not need to re-apply tuntil 2026, but please advise us if there are any changes to your name or address details. We have been delighted to have been joined by new worshippers in our regular Zoom services who would also be eligible to join the Electoral Roll.
Why be on the church electoral roll?
The Church Electoral Roll is a (voluntary) register of people who are Church of England members who live in the parish or who attend the church of St Mary the Virgin, Silchester. Nobody is automatically entered into this register. Only people who are registered on the Church Electoral Roll are entitled to vote on matters arising at the APCM (Annual Parochial Church Meeting). Membership of a Church Electoral Roll is also used by some outside bodies as evidence that you are a member of the Church of England.
To join the Church Electoral Roll you must either complete an electoral roll application form and return it to the Electoral Roll Officer via the address on the form or you can apply online here by the 5th April 2024.
You will need to declare that you are baptised and aged 16 or over or have an impending 16th birthday.
A member of the Church of England (or of a Church in communion with the Church of England) and are resident in the parish.
Or
You are a member of the Church of England (or of a Church in communion with the Church of England) and, not being resident in the parish and have habitually attended public worship in the parish during the period of six months prior to enrolment. You may still apply if you have a compelling reason for not attending in that period.
Or
You are a member in good standing of a Church (not in communion with the Church of England) which subscribes to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity and also declare yourself to be a member of the Church of England and have habitually attended public worship in the parish during the period of six months prior to enrolment. You may still apply if you have a compelling reason for not attending in that period.
Please address any queries to the Electoral Roll Officer, Heidi Williams via the Vicar (ElectoralRoll@silchesterchurch.co.uk)
Email addresses and other personal data are used for electoral Roll purposes only. If you have any problems applying, please approach the clergy or ER Officer for the parish, who will be pleased to help you. Contact details are on our website https://www.silchesterchurch.co.uk/contact-us/.