Hitchin residents are being urged to check their electoral registration details to ensure they do not lose their chance to vote in next year's elections.

North Herts Council has begun its annual canvass, which is used to ensure the electoral register is accurate and identify residents who need to register to vote.

The process takes on added significance this year ahead of elections in May 2027, when the majority of parish elections across North Hertfordshire are due to take place.

Residents will also get the chance to vote in elections for the shadow authorities being established as part of the reorganisation of local government in Hertfordshire.

Depending on where they live, North Herts residents will elect councillors to either the new Central Hertfordshire or East Hertfordshire and Broxbourne shadow authorities.

The successful candidates will help shape the new councils before the new local government arrangements come into effect in April 2028.

Over the coming weeks, residents can expect to be contacted by letter, email or phone, or receive a visit from one of North Herts Council's canvassers, who will carry identification.

The council is particularly encouraging people who have recently moved home to make sure they are registered at their new address.

Research from the Electoral Commission found 92 per cent of people who have lived at the same address for 16 years are registered to vote, compared with just 36 per cent of those who have lived at an address for less than a year.

Anyone who has moved needs to register at their new address as their voter registration does not automatically move with them.

Melanie Stimpson, Electoral Registration Officer at North Herts Council, said: "The annual canvass is our way of making sure that the information on the electoral register for every address is accurate and up to date.

"To make sure you don't lose your say at upcoming elections, simply follow the instructions sent to you.

"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 via the government's registration portal – just search 'register to vote'."

Jackie Killeen, Director of Electoral Administration and Regulation at the Electoral Commission, added: "It's really important that everyone who is eligible to vote is able to do so.

"We urge people to check for updates from their local council on this year's canvass. The council may contact residents by post or email."

Residents can register to vote through the Government's online registration service, while anyone with questions about their registration status can contact North Herts Council's Electoral Services team.