The Vale of Glamorgan Council is urging residents to check their voter registration details are correct so they can take part in upcoming elections.

If such information is not up to date, individuals may not have a voice on important decisions that affect them.

With elections taking place for the Welsh Parliament/Senedd Cymru and for the Police and Crime Commissioner in May 2021, this is a particularly important time for residents to make sure they are registered to vote.

The annual canvass ensures that the Vale of Glamorgan Council can keep the electoral register up to date, identifying any residents who are not registered so that they can be encouraged to do so.

As next year's Senedd Cymru elections will be the first time 16 and 17-year-olds and qualifying foreign citizens will be able to vote, it is particularly important that these groups are included on the register.

Debbie Marles, Electoral Registration Officer for the Vale of Glamorgan Council said: "It's important that residents keep an eye out for messages from the Council, so we can make sure we have the right details on the electoral register for every address in the Vale of Glamorgan. To make sure you are able to have your say at elections taking place next year, simply follow the instructions from the Council.

"If you're not currently registered, your name will not appear in the messages we send. If you want to register, the easiest way is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote, or we'll send you information explaining how to do this in the post.

"This year's canvass, which we have to carry out by law, is taking place during a challenging public health situation. We are working to ensure that we take account of public health guidelines, including the continued importance of social distancing."

People who have moved recently are particularly encouraged to look out for the voter registration messages from the Council and check the details.

Research by the Electoral Commission indicates that recent home movers are far less likely to be registered than those who have lived at the same address for a long time.

Across Britain, 92 per cent of people who have been at their property for more than 16 years will be registered, compared to 36 per cent of people who have lived at an address for less than one year.

Rhydian Thomas, Head of Electoral Commission Wales, said: "It's really important that everyone who is entitled to vote is able to do so. More people are now entitled to vote in Wales, including 16 and 17-year-olds and qualifying foreign citizens.

"Making sure you provide the necessary information to your local authority when it is needed will ensure the process runs smoothly. This is particularly helpful in the current public health situation, as it will help avoid the need for home visits from canvassers.

"There's lots of helpful information about registering to vote on our website."

Any residents who have any questions can contact their local registration team at [email protected]