PEOPLE living in Topsham are being urged to complete electoral registration forms so they can vote in next year’s local elections and a possible referendum on the voting system.

More than 50,000 forms went out to all homes in Exeter City Council’s wards at the start of September followed by reminders earlier this month.

However, there are still 20,000 households which have not completed a return.

People who fail to complete and return the form won’t be included on the register and will lose their right to vote.

Jeff Chalk, electoral services manager, said: “The Council is obliged by law to contact each household to ensure that all eligible electors have the right to vote.

“If a form isn’t returned then we have to send an officer to make a personal visit to that property. Obviously this is a costly exercise and people can help us reduce these costs by sending in their forms as quickly as possible.

“We still need forms to be sent back even if there is no one eligible to register.”

He added: “It’s also worth remembering that the Register is used by financial bodies in the process of granting credit, and as well as missing out on the opportunity to vote, an individual may find it difficult to open a bank account, for example.”

Anyone who hasn’t received a form should contact the electoral services office on (01392) 265141.