The council is reminding people to bite the ballot and register to vote.

Hertsmere Borough Council is coming to the end of the period in which it sends out voter registration forms.

It is reminding anyone who has not yet completed one to do so, or else risk breaking the law.

Hertsmere’s electoral services officer Jo Bateman said: “It is a legal requirement to respond and we would encourage anyone who hasn’t already to return their form or contact us if they’ve lost it.

“What many people don’t realise is that not being registered to vote can make it difficult for you to get credit for things like loans, mortgages and credit cards.”

The first National Voter Registration Day will be held on February 5, organised by Bite the Ballot, a campaign group working to encourage everyone to vote.

Ms Bateman urged those who had not yet done so to join thousands of others and register to vote on that day, the anniversary of the Great Reform Act of 1832.

Hertsmere’s local elections will take place on 22 May, the next general election will be in 2015.

For more information please call 020 8207 7481 or visit www.bitetheballot.co.uk/nvrd.