Voter registration forms will be dropping through letterboxes across the borough between August 9 to 12 to ensure that all residents who are eligible can exercise their right to vote in the Greater London Authority Elections in May 2012.

Hackney Council’s Electoral Registration Office will be sending forms to every household in order to compile the Electoral Register. The form needs to be updated with details of everyone in your home who is eligible to vote and returned as soon as possible. If these details haven’t changed replies can be sent by text, phone or email.

To be eligible to vote your name must appear in the register of electors. You can register to vote if you are 16 or over but you must be 18 or over on polling day.

Tim Shields, the Council’s Electoral Registration Officer, said: “There was a lot of interest in this year’s referendum on the UK voting system and we were pleased with the increase in registration shortly before polling day. However, some people may not realise that they have to register every year. It is important that you complete and return the registration form so you’re able to take part in any elections or referendums next year.”

For more information contact your local Electoral Registrations and Elections Office, tel: 020 8356 3232, visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/elections-2011-annual-canvass.htm or email:info@hackney.gov.uk