Residents in Bognor urged to return registration forms or lose right to vote

More than 21,000 people have yet to add their names to the electoral roll, forcing the district council to spend thousands of pounds on sending reminders.

Forms have been sent to all households across the district and the names returned will form the basis for who is eligible to vote in the next general election. They must be returned by November 20.

Liz Futcher, the council's head of democratic services, said: "Out of the 70,249 forms sent out, 21,307 have yet to be returned. We urge those who have not returned their form to do so as soon as possible.

"This will not only save the council money, but also ensure that a canvasser does not knock on their door."

Ian Sumnall, the chief executive and returning officer, added: "We are asking all residents who wish to vote to check they have completed the annual canvass form and returned it. In doing so you will have the chance to help choose the people that make the decisions which affect your everyday life."

Karen Quaintmere, head of electoral administration for the Electoral Commission, said: "There's a general election coming between now and June 2010. If you're not registered to vote then you can't make a decision about who represents you in Westminster.

"If you haven't already secured your vote, please take a couple of minutes to fill in the form so you can have a voice on the issues that are important to you."

For advice on filling in the voting form call the council's electoral services department on 01903 737616 or visit www.aboutmyvote.co.uk

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