Nearly 43,000 people across County Durham are being urged not to lose their right to vote following changes to the way the electoral register is compiled.
The introduction of Individual Electoral Registration means people are now required to register to vote individually, rather than by household. The new system also allows residents to register online.
While the majority of residents in County Durham have automatically moved on to the new system, 42,806 residents are not registered because they need to provide additional information.
Durham County Council is urging anyone who has received a letter telling them they were not automatically transferred to visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote and register online.
Colette Longbottom, Durham County Council’s electoral registration officer, said: “Many County Durham residents will have received a letter from our electoral services team telling them that they have automatically moved onto the new registration system.
“However, some residents were told that they needed to provide extra information in order to register under the new system. It’s important that they now do this.
“This is the first time that people can register to vote online and it’s quick and simple. This should appeal to many young people and students of Durham University so if you’ve just turned 18 or you’ve not registered before; get online to register to vote.”
The new system has been introduced with the aim of making the electoral register more secure.
Anyone in County Durham who has not yet received a letter from the county council regarding the electoral register should call 03000 261 212 or email electoralservices@durham.gov.uk
