UP to 12,000 residents across Sedgemoor are being advised they may need take action if they want to be able to vote in next May’s national and local elections – even if they are already registered.

Sedgemoor District Council is writing to residents from next week explaining changes to the electoral registration system.

About 89,000 people are already registered but the council is advising that about 12,000 residents may need to take action to join the new register.

Individual Electoral Registration (IER) was introduced across the country earlier this year in a bid to tackle electoral fraud and improve the accuracy of the electoral register.

Before IER was introduced, the ‘head of household’ was responsible for registering everyone who lived at an address. Under the new system, each individual is responsible for his or herr own voter registration.

Kerry Rickards, chief executive of Sedgemoor District Council, said: “This is the biggest change to the voter registration system in 100 years so it is essential that people check their letter carefully to see whether they need to re-register.

“With a General Election, district, town and parish elections on Thursday, May 7, it’s really important that people in Sedgemoor are registered to vote.” 

Letters will clearly state whether or not you are on the new register or whether you have to take action. 

If you need to register on the new list, the easiest way is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote but you can also return the form enclosed with your letter.

For more information on IER and registering to vote visit the website at gov.uk/yourvotematters