LOCALS are being warned not to lose their voice on important decisions that affect them by making sure their electoral registration details are up to date.

With both council and Police and Crime Commissioner elections taking place in Reading in May next year, this is an important opportunity for residents to make sure they can take part.

Reading Borough Council’s (RBC) annual canvass ensures that it can keep the electoral register up to date, identifying any residents who are not registered and encouraging them to do so.

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Christopher Brooks, electoral registration officer at RBC, said: "It’s really important that residents keep an eye out for messages from the council, so we can make sure we have the right details on the electoral register for every address in Reading.

"Some households will first receive their first letter (known as ‘Canvass Communication A letter’) from the council on or around July 21.

"This is only being sent to those households where we have been able to match details with the Department of Work and Pensions.

"People will only need to respond to this letter if the electoral register information is incorrect.

"The quickest and easiest way to reply is online by following the details given in the letter.

"During August, some households will receive a ‘Canvass Communication B letter’ from the council.

"This communication will be sent to households where we have not been able to match details with the Department of Work and Pensions.

"People will need to respond to this letter to ensure the electoral register information is correct.

"Again, residents are encouraged to reply online following the details and instructions given in the letter.

"If you’re not currently registered, your name will not appear in the communications we send. If you want to register, the easiest way is online, or we’ll send you information explaining how to do this in the post."

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He added that this year's canvass, which RBC have to carry out by law, is taking place during the challenging public health situation, and that RBC is working to ensure that it takes account of public health guidelines, including the continued importance of social distancing.

People who have moved recently are particularly encouraged to look out for the voter registration messages from RBC and check the details.

Research by the Electoral Commission indicates that recent home movers are far less likely to be registered than those who have lived at the same address for a long time.