Rutland residents are being invited to take part in this year's annual canvass of electors, to sure they can vote in future elections.

The annual canvass is held from July to December each year and helps the council to update the Local Register of electors. This year's canvass has been delayed slightly due to the general election.

The Register of Electors is important as it ensures that those who are eligible can vote in elections, if you are not on the Register, it could also affect your ability to access credit.

People who have moved house recently are particularly encouraged to watch out for voter registration messages and to check who is registered to vote at their new address. Research by the Electoral Commission indicates that recent home movers are far less likely to be registered than those who have lived at the same address for a long time. 

Local councils are required by law to organise and oversee the annual canvass in their area. Depending on the contact information you have provided to the council previously, you will have received an email or letter asking you to take part in the canvass. Around 8,000 canvass emails have now been sent out, with paper canvass forms beginning to follow from this week.

Residents are asked to follow the instructions contained in their letter or email and respond as soon as possible. Councils are required to make repeated attempts to contact electors who do not provide a response to the canvass, including the use of door-to-door canvassers to gather information.