Worcester residents are being warned not to lose their voice on decisions that affect them by making sure their electoral registration details are up to date.
With elections taking place in the city in May 2021, this is an important opportunity for residents to make sure they can take part.
Worcester City Council is sending out letters to all the city's households asking them to help keep the electoral register up to date and to identify any residents who are not registered to vote.
Shane Flynn, City Council Electoral Registration Officer, said: "It's important that residents keep an eye out for the letter from Worcester City Council, so we can make sure we have the right details on the electoral register for every address in the city. To be certain you can have your say at next year's elections, simply follow the instructions on the letter.
"If you're not currently registered, your name will not appear in the letter we send. If you want to register, the easiest way is online, or we'll send you information explaining how to do this in the post."
People who have moved recently are particularly encouraged to look out for the voter registration letter. Research by the Electoral Commission indicates that recent home movers are far less likely to be registered than those who have lived at the same address for a long time. Across Great Britain, 92% of people who have been at their property for more than 16 years will be registered, compared to 36% of people who have lived at an address for less than one year.
Melanie Davidson, Head of Support and Improvement at the Electoral Commission, said: "It's really important that everyone who is entitled to vote is able to do so. Making sure you provide the necessary information to your local council will ensure the process runs smoothly. This is particularly helpful during the coronavirus pandemic, as it will help avoid the need for home visits from the council's team of canvassers.
"There's lots of helpful information about registering to vote on our website at www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter."
Any residents who have any questions can contact the Worcester elections team at
