POTENTIAL voters in Colchester are being urged to register to vote or they will lose their democratic right.Some 20% of households - 16,000 residential properties - in Colchester are still not registered, it has emerged.

POTENTIAL voters in Colchester are being urged to register to vote or they will lose their democratic right.

Some 20% of households - 16,000 residential properties - in Colchester are still not registered, it has emerged.

The updated and revised Register of Electors has now been published and although many are still to register, the response to this year's annual canvass was up slightly on last year.

Anyone who has not returned a canvass form can still apply to register under the rolling registration scheme, but you only have until March 13 if you want to vote at the local elections next May.

Vicky Hempstead, Electoral Services Manager with the council, said: “Although the primary use of the register is to enable people to vote, it is passed onto credit reference agencies for credit scoring and the courts for jury summoning so it is really important people register or they may face difficulties in the future when trying to register for a loan for example.

“We really would urge everyone to register for, and use, your vote as it is your opportunity to help shape how many vital decisions are made in the borough.”

Most areas of Colchester have elections to the borough council on May 4, 2006, and if you want to have a voice, you must be on the register.

The edited version of the register is available for public inspection at the Customer Services Centre in Colchester High Street. The full version of the register is available for public inspection by appointment only - please contact electoral services for further details.

Anyone wanting more information should contact the electoral services team at Colchester Borough Council on 01206 282820, email elections@colchester.gov.uk or visit www.colchester.gov.uk and follow the 'Your Council' link.