RESIDENTS are being reminded to make sure they are registered to vote at the next election.

Wrexham Council has started sending out forms this week asking people to check and update the information for their household on the electoral register.

A council spokesman said: "We call this the 'annual canvass' and it’s a really important exercise to make sure that everyone who is eligible to vote, is registered.

"You may not be on the form because you’ve recently moved to a new house or have only just become eligible to vote.

"With the new changes that allow young persons from the age of 16 and qualified foreign citizens aged 16 or over to vote at the next elections it’s likely many of you will have to update the information for your household.

"Everyone is legally required to respond to the Annual Canvass.

"It’s a very easy process that only takes a couple of minutes, with online being the easiest method.

"Simply, if you aren’t on the register you can’t vote.

"So as soon as you receive the form please check the details. You then have the following options; If all the details remain the same visit www.householdresponse.com/wrexham, call 0800 197 9871, or text NOCHANGE followed your security code to 80212 – standard charges will apply.

"If the details need to be updated or if someone needs to be added or removed you should visit www.householdresponse.com/wrexham and make the necessary changes.

"Once this is done new people should register individually on www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

"Alternatively, amend/complete the form and post it back to us, but any new people you’ve added will still need to be to register individually on www.gov.uk/register-to-vote"

Cllr David Kelly, lead member for registration services, said: “It’s really important to respond as soon as possible so we can make sure we have the right details on the electoral register for you and the people that live with you. It’s a very straightforward process.

“People need to be aware that 16-17-year olds and foreign nationals living in Wales are now eligible to vote at Welsh Parliament/Senedd elections, so it’s important that these people get added to allow them to have their say at the next election.”

Residents are reminded that it’s a legal requirement to give the information asked for in the annual canvass.

Not doing anything may result in a fine of up to £1,000.