VOTERS in Sandwell are being reminded to complete their annual canvass form so not to lose their right to cast their ballot.

With local elections taking place in May 2019, residents need to return the forms to the council as soon as possible so they can continue to vote.

Letters were sent to every household across the borough during August to check who lives there and who is eligible to vote.

By responding to the letters, either to confirm the details are correct or to make changes, residents can ensure they can vote in future elections. It also means the council can remove people who have moved away from the electoral register.

Sandwell Council’s chief executive and electoral registration officer, Jan Britton, said: “We’ve already had responses from more than half of all households in Sandwell, so for those who haven’t responded yet, it’s important you do that as soon as possible.

“We need to make sure we have the right details on the electoral register for every address in Sandwell to make sure you are able to vote in future.

“All households must respond - even if they have no changes. You can do this online, by text or through an automated phone line and only takes a couple of minutes.”

People who have moved address recently are particularly encouraged to keep an eye out for the form and check the details.

Those who are not already registered to vote can register online by visiting www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. Anyone with questions should call the council's electoral services team on 0121 569 3244.