Make sure you don't lose your chance to vote

Anyone who wants to vote in next year's elections needs to make sure they are on the 2014 Electoral Register of Electors.

Exeter City Council sent out forms earlier this month, while Teignbridge District Council started sending out forms this week. 

Anyone from Exeter who has yet to receive a form should contact 01392 265141 to arrange delivery of a Register.

Getting on the Register is vital to have your say in European Parliamentary elections and the Council elections next May.

The City Council has begun canvassing people living in Exeter so that they can vote in the elections with over 50,000 forms sent out to homes across the city.

It is vitally important to return these forms if you want to retain your right to vote.

Exeter City Council Leader, Pete Edwards said: "With elections coming up in Exeter and the European Parliamentary Elections next May it's really important that people make sure that they're on the Register so that they can vote. Anyone who fails to complete and return the form will lose that chance to vote."

Councillor John Winterbotham said: “We do not realise how lucky we are in this country to be able to elect a council or Government of our choice, and yet many do not bother to register or vote at elections. To those individuals I would say, do not complain if policies are not acceptable to you, if you are not prepared to fill out a simple form".

If you don’t return your form an electoral officer will make a personal visit to your property. This can be a costly exercise and you can help reduce costs by sending in the forms as quickly as possible.

Forms still need to be returned if there is no one eligible to register in your home.

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.

Cllr Mike Walters, Teignbridge District Council’s Executive Spokesperson for Corporate Services, said: “It is important for residents to act quickly so we would urge them not to delay in registering. Voting gives people a voice and a say in who runs their council and its services – if you are not registered then you won't be able to vote.”

For any any questions or queries concerning registration in Exeter call 01392 265141 or for Teignbridge residents call 01626 215104.