Worcester residents are being urged to check their electoral registration details or risk losing their chance to vote on decisions that affect them.
The City Council is writing to all households in the city, asking residents
to keep the electoral register up to date, to identify who risks losing their voice at elections, and to encourage them to register to vote before it's too late.
Next year is expected to see Worcester residents vote in three elections, for their City Councillor, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, and for their MP.
Shane Flynn, Electoral Registration Officer at Worcester City Council, said:
"Keep an eye out for letters from Worcester City Council. This annual canvass is our way of making sure that the information on the electoral register for every address is accurate and up to date. To make sure you don't lose your say at the upcoming elections, simply follow the instructions sent to you.
"If you're not currently registered, your name will not appear in the letters we send. If you want to register, the easiest way is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote."
If you've recently moved, it's particularly important that you check your details. Electoral Commission research has found that recent home movers are less likely to be registered than those who have lived at the same address for a long time. In Great Britain, 92% of those who have lived in their home for 16 years will be registered, compared with 36% of people who have lived at an address for less than a year.
Melanie Davidson, Head of Support and Improvement at the Electoral Commission, said:
"It's really important that everyone who is eligible to vote is able to do so. We urge people to look out for the letters from Worcester City Council in this year's canvass.
"If you are not registered to vote, make sure you provide the necessary information to the City Council when you are asked and – if you have not already done so – register to vote online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote."
Information on registering to vote is also available on the Electoral Commission website.
Residents with questions about their registration status can
