RESIDENTS in the Stroud district are being reminded to sign up to this year’s electoral register before it’s too late.

More than 52,000 households have been sent registration forms - and 10,000 have yet to respond.

The council’s elections manager, Hannah Emery, said: “Over 73 per cent of households have responded to confirm the details of the residents who are eligible to vote.

"We are encouraging the remaining households to sign up soon – as it is a legal requirement to do so. After Friday, October 9 we will be sending canvassers to the homes of those people who have not yet responded.”

Details can be confirmed via free phone, internet or text message, as well as by post. Incorrect information can be changed online or by posting the form back to the council with the new details.

The electoral register needs to be as accurate as possible and it is necessary to update it every year. Not being on it can affect finances too as credit checking agencies use it to verify the details of people applying for bank accounts, mortgages, mobile phone contracts and certain jobs that require security checks.

Miss Emery added: “By the end of the process we usually ensure that around 97% of households have had their details recorded, however it helps us save time and money if residents respond to the letters we send out.”

This year’s electoral register will be published on December 1.

May 2016 will see the first whole council elections, with all 51 district council seats up at the same time.

The election for the police and crime commissioner will also take place on the same date. Anyone who wants to take part needs to make sure they are registered.