Residents urged to reply to electoral registration forms or risk fine of up to £1,000

Households are being urged to reply to electoral registration forms which the council has posted through every residential letter box in the Royal Borough.

Changes in the voting registration system mean individuals now have to provide more ID when registering to vote. Most people previously registered will remain registered, but the Department for Work and Pensions needs more proof of eligibility for some voters.

The borough has sent a form out to every household asking for its electoral registration details.

Even if the details on the form have not changed, a reply is required over the telephone, online or by post to confirm they are the same.

Then, if any new voters are added to a home’s register, they will then be sent a second ‘invitation to register’ form.

Any households which do not respond to the register form could risk a fine of up to £1,000. The council sent out forms in July and August and a final reminder went out on Monday, October 5.

It is urging people to respond as soon as possible, with a final deadline of November 20.

A small number of voters still need their identity verified. They have been sent invitation to vote forms by the Royal Borough, which they must respond to otherwise they risk losing their right to vote in 2016.

Call democratic services on 01628 683868 for more information.