ELECTION workers are searching for 200 missing voters in east Cleveland.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council is trying to make sure that all of its 105,000 potential electors receive their ballot papers. This year, the poll at the marginal council will be conducted entirely by post in an attempt to increase turn-out.

Colin Moore, council chief executive and returning officer, said: "With this being an all-postal ballot it is especially important that we have correct addresses so we can ensure that the right papers go to the right people.

"The difficulty we face, and I am sure it is an issue which affects all authorities running postal ballots, is that we know of about 200 people whose names appear on the electoral role but have apparently moved and have not given us any details of their new addresses.

"Staff will obviously do their best to track down people wherever possible. However, it would greatly assist us if anyone who has moved recently or who believes they are entitled to a vote but has not received a ballot paper to contact us as soon as possible.

"At the end of the day, we are dependent on people giving us the correct information. We want everyone entitled to vote to receive a ballot paper but we do need a little help."

Anyone who has moved recently but has not received a ballot paper is asked to call the council on 0800 5878072.