Ian Milton, Grampian Electoral Registration Officer, explained that this is the first canvass of every household since the introduction of the new system of individual electoral registration throughout Scotland last year, and also the first canvass following the new law reducing the voting age in Scotland to 16.
Householders must respond to the forms, which ask whether the details of each household are correct.
Mr Milton said: “We have introduced a secure online response service that will allow householders to provide the necessary information in a matter of minutes.”
With more than 75% of households enjoying internet access, Mr Milton said he hoped that over 200,000 of the 270,000 households in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray will use the new online service to respond.
Households which do not have internet access can respond by text, phone or completing and posting the form.
Mr Milton added: ‘In the last 12 months Scotland has witnessed a major rise in democratic engagement and we are very keen to ensure that every citizen who is entitled to register to vote can vote. We can only do this if householders respond to the canvass and keep the electoral registers completely up to date.
“With important elections for the Scottish Parliament in 2016 and local council elections in 2017, there has been no better time for citizens to make sure their voice is heard.”
From 5 May 2016, 16-year-olds will be able to vote in all Scottish parliament and local government elections. Households should therefore provide details of young residents who will be 15 on or before the 30 November 2015, to ensure they can vote as soon as they reach 16.