THOUSANDS of people in Richmondshire could lose their right to vote in elections if they do not return forms distributed by the council, by the middle of next month.

The authority sent forms to 21,000 homes in the area as part of an electoral registration exercise, but, so far, only two thirds have been returned.

The remaining 7,000 householders will be sent reminders. Those who do not respond by Friday, November 16, could find they are ineligible to vote in elections after December 3.

Anyone with a query about the procedure or the electoral registration system can contact the department on (01748) 829121.