VOTERS in the Malvern Hills district are set to take part in the biggest change to the electoral registration system for nearly 100 years.

Starting today (Friday), the district council's electoral registration office is writing to some 60,000 electors to explain the new system.

Until now, the head of each household registered everyone living in a property, but under the new system, each individual will be responsible for registering themselves.

Over 90 per cent of residents will automatically move onto the new electoral register, but some will need to take action to join or remain on it, which they will now also be able to do for the first time by registering quickly and easily online.

Matthew Box, the council’s policy and governance manager, said: “Residents will receive a letter during August that will explain the change to the electoral registration system. It will tell you if you have been automatically transferred to the new register or not. If you have not been transferred, you will need to provide some additional information, and the letter will tell you exactly what you need to do.”

Samantha Mills of the Electoral Commission said: “This change will lead to a more secure register and replace the outdated Victorian concept that a single ‘head of household’ is responsible for registering everyone.”

For more information visit www.gov.uk/yourvotematters. If you do not receive a letter contact MHDC’s electoral services team on 01684 862200 or elections@malvernhills.gov.uk.