Make sure you’re on electoral register

East Kilbride and Avondale residents are being urged to make sure they are on the electoral register.

The annual voter registration canvass is now underway with a Household Enquiry Form (HEF) sent out to thousands of homes.

To be able to vote in future elections, people should complete the form and return it as soon as possible.

This includes young people who will be aged 16 by November 30, 2018.

Returns can be made in a variety of ways including via a freephone or text service where details on the form have not changed. There is also an online option where changes can be made.

Electoral registration officer Gary Bennett said:“The use of a range of services makes confirming details easy and saves the council money compared to the costs of returning the paper form through the post.

“However, if the forms are not returned a reminder will be sent and if information is not received at that stage, a canvasser will have to visit the property.

“A fine up to £1000 may ultimately be imposed for failing to supply the information.

“Householders should also remember that credit reference agencies also use the electoral register as a check when assessing credit applications.

“Therefore, if people are not on the register, their ability to access credit may be affected.”

Anyone with queries about the form can contact the Lanarkshire electoral registration office on 0800 030 4333.