Make sure you are eligible to vote

People living in Exeter are being urged to complete their electoral registration forms so that they can vote in next year’s elections. Over 52,000 forms went out to all homes in the city at the beginning of October and need to be returned to the City Council as soon as possible. This is the first step in compiling and updating the 2014 Register of Electors for Exeter. People who fail to complete and return the form won’t be included on the Register and will lose their right to vote. Jeff Chalk, Democratic Services Manager, said: ''The Council is obliged by law to contact each household to ensure that all eligible electors have the right to vote. If a form isn't returned then we have to firstly, send reminder forms and then make a personal visit to that property. Obviously this is a costly exercise and people can help us reduce these costs by sending in their forms as quickly as possible.” He added: “It's also worth remembering that the Register is used by financial bodies in the process of granting credit, and as well as missing out on the opportunity to vote, an individual may find it difficult to open a bank account, for example." Anyone who hasn't received a form should contact the Electoral Services Office on 01392 265141. Elections are due to be held in May 2014 for 13 seats on the City Council and for the European Parliament.