OFFICIALS are now visiting homes that have not returned their Household Enquiry Forms to ensure that Darlington residents can vote on important issues.

More than 49,600 households across the borough have been sent the forms, which are used to compile the electoral register, and although a large number have been returned, there are still many outstanding.

Luke Swinhoe, Electoral Registration officer, said: “Residents must complete the Household Enquiry Form with the details of everyone in your household who is eligible to vote, and return the form to us as soon as possible.

“Residents may also register via the internet, by phone or by text, using the unique code on their Household Enquiry Form.

“The Police and Crime Commissioner Elections will be taking place in 2016, with the potential of a referendum on the United Kingdom’s membership of the European Union as well.

“It is important that residents register now in order to be able to vote.

“Officers are now visiting properties to collect the forms where they have not yet been submitted.”