Your vote matters - make sure you're on the list

Letters have been sent to homes across the district as residents are asked to check whether the correct information appears on the electoral register.

People are being encouraged to reply to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council's annual voter registration canvass to ensure they are registered and eligible to vote in next year's elections.

Simon Baker, Electoral Registration Officer, said the aim of the form is to make sure the electoral register is up to date and to identify any residents who are not registered so that they can be encouraged to do so.

He said: "With elections taking place in our area in May 2017, this is an opportunity for residents to make sure they are registered and able to take part. Anyone that wants to vote must be registered. To make sure you are able to have your say at the elections next year simply check the form when it arrives and reply as promptly as possible.

"All households must respond even if there are no changes to be made to the information. You can do this by returning the form in the pre-paid envelope provided, online, by telephone or by text.

"If you're not currently registered we'll send you information explaining how to do this or you can just go online and register."

Register to vote

It is particularly important that anyone who has moved address recently looks out for the form and checks whether they are registered.

Mr Baker added: "The annual canvass is a way that people can easily check whether they are registered. It's essential for a healthy democracy that everyone who is entitled to vote is able to do so and, for those who need to register, it is now easier than ever with the online system of registration."

Anyone wishing to be added to the form must register themselves and provide details of their date of birth and National Insurance number.