Pembrokeshire residents are being warned not to lose their voice on matters that affect them by completing and returning their annual canvass form as soon as possible.

The form ensures that Pembrokeshire County Council can keep the electoral register up to date and identify any residents who are not registered so that they can be encouraged to do so.

This means they will be able take part in any future elections.

Ian Westley, electoral registration officer at Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “It’s important that residents respond as soon as possible, so we can make sure we have the right details on the electoral register for every address in Pembrokeshire.

“To make sure you are able to have your say at elections simply check the form when it arrives and respond as soon as you can.

“If you’re not currently registered, your name will not appear on the form.

“If you want to register, the easiest way is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote, or we’ll send you information explaining how to do this in the post.

“In any case, you will still need to complete the form and send it back to us.”

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

Research by the independent Electoral Commission indicates that recent home movers are far less likely to be registered than those that have lived at the same address for a long time.

Across Great Britain, 94 per cent of people who have been at their property for more than 16 years will be registered, compared to 40 per cent of people who have lived at an address for less than one year.