People in Ashby and North West Leicestershire will receive electoral canvass communication forms through the post from next week.

Residents are being urged to check their electoral registration details - or risk losing their chance to vote on decisions that affect them.

The annual canvass allows North West Leicestershire District Council to keep the electoral register up to date, to identify who is not registered, and to encourage them to register before it is too late.

Anyone who is not currently registered can register easily online HERE.

Allison Thomas, Returning Officer at North West Leicestershire District Council, said: "Keep an eye out for important updates from NWLDC, which will be delivered from mid-July.

"The annual canvass is our way of making sure that the information on the electoral register for every address is accurate and up to date.

"To make sure you don't lose your say at upcoming elections, simply follow the instructions sent to you."

Recent home movers, in particular, are urged to check their details.

Electoral Commission research has found that recent home movers are less likely to be registered than those who have lived at the same address for a long time.

In Great Britain, 92 per cent of those who have lived in their home for 16 years will be registered, compared with 36 per cent of people who have lived at an address for less than a year.

Melanie Davidson, Head of Support and Improvement at the Electoral Commission, said: "It's really important that everyone who is eligible to vote is able to, so check for updates from your local council on this year's canvass.

"If you're not registered to vote, make sure you provide the necessary information to your local council when asked and register to vote online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote."

Information on registering to vote is available on the Electoral Commission website.

Residents with questions about their registration status can contact their local council's electoral services team at [email protected] or call 01530 454512.