VOTERS throughout Wychavon are being urged to protect their voting rights by filling in their electoral registration forms over the next few weeks.

The forms are due to pop through letterboxes from this week and if not returned could cost you the right to vote in next May's district council elections.

Democratic services manager, Amanda de Warr, said: "People have the opportunity to shape the way their local area is run.

Rather than just sit back and accept whatever happens when the count is in, we urge voters to put their cross in the box. If you are not on the register, set to be published in December, you won't be able to vote.

"The forms will be sent to every household currently on the Electoral Register so you can check the details are correct and make amendments if needed."

Two registers are being compiled this year, following changes in legislation, and voters have the right to opt out of one that could be sold to outside bodies.

Credit reference agencies will still be able to buy the full register so mortgage applications will not be affected.

Ms de Warr added: "Voting is easy and you can even do it from your armchair through a postal or proxy vote.

"At Wychavon we think it is important that everyone uses their vote.

"You can also help us to save money by sending the form back quickly so we can include you in the register and we don't have to chase you up."