SIXTEEN and 17-year-olds could miss out on their right to vote because electoral registration forms are not being correctly updated.

Wyre Forest District Council is finding an increasing number of young people are not included on the electoral register.

Households have been receiving the forms since the end of August and they should include the details of anyone who will become 18 by November 30, 2006.

The new electoral register will be published on Thursday, December 1 and only people who register will be assured of being able to vote in any election or referendum in 2006.

Council chief executive, Walter Delin, said: "We would encourage all electors to register to vote so they can go to the polls at the next elections. It is important to include young people who are about to turn 18 on the forms.

"We need to give them the opportunity to get involved in the democratic process as soon as they can."

Credit reference agencies, which provide information to banks, building societies and retailers, also use the register when checking credit worthiness. People not on the register will find it difficult to obtain credit, open a bank account or get a mortgage.

Householders need to check the forms to see if the information is correct. Any out of date or incorrect details should be amended.

If the details remain unchanged, the form just needs to be signed and all forms should be returned in the freepost envelope provided.