Households in Sidmouth will soon be receiving a form asking residents to check whether the information that appears on the electoral register for those living at their address is correct as part of East Devon's annual voter registration canvass.

The aim of the form is to ensure that the electoral register is up-to-date and to identify any residents who are not registered so that they can be encouraged to do so.

With Devon County Council and Police and Crime Commissioner elections taking place in May 2021, this is an opportunity for residents to make sure that they will be able to take part.

Cllr Paul Millar, the district council's portfolio holder for Democracy and Transparency, said: "In my lifetime I can't think of a more important time to be registered to vote than now.

"With the spectre of the Coronavirus pandemic affecting all of us in our daily lives, it is of paramount importance that every resident signs up to be eligible to ensure the very best people are elected to represent our communities.

"Although we know from comparing the current register with the Department for Work and Pensions data that we have a 98% accuracy rate I do think it is vitally important that everyone who is eligible does look out for this form.

"I represent an area of Exmouth and I think it is especially important that younger people and those in the private rented sector make sure they are registered and therefore have a vote and a voice in all elections."

Mark Williams, Electoral Registration Officer at East Devon said: "You need to register in order to be able to vote. If you aren't registered to vote, you won't have the chance to have a say on who represents you.

"Some people also register to vote because they want to apply for credit. Credit reference agencies use the register to confirm where someone lives when they apply for credit in order to counteract fraud."

Residents are reminded that when your form arrives, simply check the information on it. If anything is wrong with the information on the form or if any names need to be added or removed at your address amend the form and return it to us.

You can also go to the website address, enter the two numbers of your security code and follow the website instructions.

Please be aware that use of this website does not mean that you are registered. Once we have received your amendments, we'll send an invitation to register form. This form will provide you with further information on how to finally complete your registration.

If you prefer, you can just go online and apply to register here. Please be aware that you will need your National Insurance number and date of birth to do this.

It's particularly important that anyone who has recently moved looks out for the form and checks whether they are registered at their new address.

Any residents who have any questions can contact the electoral services team at [email protected] or on 01395 571529.