DORSET households have been encouraged not to “lose their voice” and check information on the electoral register is correct.

As part of the annual canvass for the register of elections, households, where there appears to have been no changes in residency, will soon start receiving emails to check the information.

Matt Prosser, electoral registration officer at Dorset Council, said: “It is really important that everyone who is entitled to vote is able to do so.

“I encourage residents to keep a look out for the email and also the letter coming to their household and advise of any changes as soon as possible.

“We have to carry out the annual canvass by law. Please consider responding online or by telephone wherever possible. 

“As well as saving the council money by not having to send reminders, we will not need to arrange personal visits from appointed electoral canvassers to obtain the information.

“Being able to vote gives you the chance to have a say on who represents you. Being registered to vote also helps people who want to apply for credit. The register is also used by credit agencies to confirm where someone lives when they apply for credit to counteract fraud.”

A response is required to the email even if the details in the email are still correct to www.householdresponse.com/Dorset.