People in Wolverhampton only have until this Friday (14 February, 2014) to register to vote.

Around 90% of households in the city have already completed their registration - more than at the same stage during last year's canvass - but around 9,000 households are yet to do so.

Being on the electoral register is a legal requirement. The electoral register has to be updated annually and only those on it are eligible to vote in the local council and European Parliament elections which are taking place on Thursday 22 May, 2014.

The electoral register is also referred to during the credit checking process - so people that registered to vote may find they have trouble getting credit, a bank account, mortgage or even a mobile phone.

Wolverhampton City Council's Electoral Services Manager David Garner said: "We've had a very good response so far from the people of Wolverhampton, and I'd like to thank everyone who has already completed their registration form this year.

"However, we're still waiting for around 10% of households to complete their forms, and I'd urge them to do so as soon as possible, as the deadline is only days away."

A total of 3 forms have been delivered over the last few months to households which haven't yet registered to vote, and canvassers also called at properties last month to help people complete their forms.

Completed forms should be returned to the council using the freepost envelope supplied as soon as possible. Anyone who has mislaid their form can complete one by visiting the main reception at the Civic Centre, St Peter's Square.

People who have not completed their registration by the end of this week may be removed from the electoral register.

  • released: Monday 10 February, 2014