With an election widely predicted in the next few months, Watford people are being warned not to lose their voice by making sure they are on the electoral register.

Watford Borough Council is sending out its annual canvass (household enquiry) form until August 19, and is urging people to return it as soon as possible.

With ward council elections due in Watford in May 2020, and an unscheduled general election possible, the form ensures Watford Borough Council can identify any residents who are not registered.

The council says that if the form is completed promptly, it will keep costs down by avoiding the need to canvass and deliver reminder forms to outstanding addresses.

Gordon Amos, electoral services manager at Watford Borough Council, said: “It’s important that residents respond as soon as possible, so we can make sure we have the right details on the electoral register for every address in Watford. To make sure you are able to have your say at elections in May 2020, simply check the form when it arrives and respond as soon as you can.

“If you’re not currently registered, your name will not appear on the form. The easiest way to register is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote, or we’ll send you information explaining how to do this in the post. In any case, you will still need to respond to the Household Enquiry form.”

The initial e-registration canvass has also started and those who requested to complete their canvass response online (www.watford.gov.uk/ecanvass) would have received an email with security codes and instruction to complete their return.

Anyone who has not previously requested to complete your electoral registration online should provide their email address on the paper copy of the Household Enquiry Form prior to return.

Melanie Davidson, head of support and improvement at the Electoral Commission, said: “It’s really important that everyone who is entitled to vote is able to do so; checking the form that will arrive through the post is one of the easiest ways to find out if you’re already and continue to be registered. There’s lots of helpful information about registering to vote on our website www.yourvotematters.co.uk.”

Any residents who have any questions can contact their local registration team at 01923 278369 or email elections@watford.gov.uk