People in County Durham are being reminded to make sure they’re registered to vote.
Durham County Council is currently updating the electoral register ahead of elections due to take place in November 2012 and May 2013.
Registration forms, showing the names of people registered at each address, were issued to residents last month.
Latest estimates suggest that around 100,000 households have yet to respond and reminder notices will be sent to these addresses next week.
People who do not return their form will not be included on the electoral register and will not be able to vote in the forthcoming elections.
Colette Longbottom, head of legal and democratic services at Durham County Council, said: “People often assume that if they pay council tax they will automatically be registered to vote, which is not the case.
“You must return your form to ensure you don’t lose your right to vote.
“The electoral register is also used by organisations carrying out credit checks so not being registered may also lead to difficulties in, for example, opening a bank account, getting a loan or mortgage or even getting a mobile phone.
“It’s quick and simple to register and it’s not too late to return your form.”
People are asked to check that the details on the form are correct. If the occupiers or any of the details have changed, the form should be amended, signed and returned immediately in the pre-paid envelope provided.
If there are no changes people are asked to let the council know by telephone, internet or text – details on how to do this are included on the form. People can also notify the council that there are no changes by signing and returning the form in the post.
On 15 November voters will be asked to elect the county’s first Police and Crime Commissioner – who will replace the current police authority in holding Durham Constabulary to account – and on 2 May 2013 elections will be held for the county, parish and town councils.
Anyone who will turn 18 before either of those two dates will be able to vote for the first time and should therefore ensure their names are added to the register.
Students are also being reminded that they can register to vote both at their home address and their term address. They can vote in both areas in local elections but only once for UK and European parliamentary elections.
The revised electoral register will be published on 16 October and people are asked to make sure they have completed and returned their form by 1 October in order to be included.
