Council urges residents to complete voter registration forms

Households within the locality will shortly receive their 2009/10 voter registration forms and the law requires a response either by post, telephone or via the internet.

Residents who do not respond could lose their right to vote and find their credit ratings adversely affected if they are removed from the register of electors.This affects people's ability to open bank accounts, obtain mortgages, loans and even mobile phones.

Rother is obliged to send out reminders to people who do not reply at extra cost to the tax payer.

The Council is then required to make personal visits to any remaining households who do not respond '“ these visits are costly and can impact on Council Tax levels.

The Council will commence calls on all non-responding properties from the middle of October. Council appointed canvassers will be issued with identity cards, but if anyone has concerns over the legitimacy of a caller they should contact the election office.

"A general election could be called at anytime between now and June 2010," said Rother chief executive Derek Stevens, "I would urge residents to respond to the form as soon as possible '“ you can't vote if you're not on the register."

If no changes have to be made to personal details, pre-printed on the forms, voters can register by telephone or internet.

To register by telephone, dial free phone 0800 1976193 and enter the unique code which can be found on the form using a touchtone telephone.

To register by internet visit http://www.registerbyinternet.com/rother again entering the code and following the onscreen instructions.

For more information contact the elections office at Rother District Council on 01424 787825.