Council In Voting Plea As 80,000 Forms Go Out

9.27.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 16th Aug 2004

With a possible General Election in the coming year, Richmond Council has appealed to residents to ensure they don't lose their right to vote. Residents are being urged not to ignore the annual registration form when it lands on their doormats from the end of this month. By law, they must respond.

A total of 80,000 forms will be delivered to all residential properties, which includes every house, flat, bedsit, and houseboat, in a massive operation run by the Council's electoral services team.

The form must be checked, amended where necessary, signed and returned. Failure to do so could result in a £1,000 fine.

Prompt replies in the pre-paid envelopes would be appreciated to avoid sending out reminders, say electoral services. The Revised Register of Electors for 2005 will be published on 1 December this year.

Councillor David Williams for the Liberal Democrats, said: "It is important that everyone who wants to vote in next year's General Election makes sure that they are on the new electoral register. Everyone is expecting a 2005 General Election, and my guess is that it will be on Thursday 5 May, the day of the county council elections, as it was in 2001 and 1997."

The Council's Electoral Services Manager, Judith Witts, said:

"Given the possibility of a General Election next year, it is crucial that people understand that the Register of Electors is separate from Council Tax records and contains different information. They should ensure that their details are included on the new electoral roll.

"If your name is not included you will not be able to vote. So, please ensure you return this vital form."

For further information call the electoral services help line during office hours on 020 8891 7775 or email electoral.services@richmond.gov.uk