BOLTONIANS will today be urged to register to vote — ahead of this year's crucial General Election.

Bolton Council has written to every home in the region with details of who is currently on the electoral register at each property.

Sean Harris, chief executive of Bolton Council, said: “It’s really important to register now, don’t leave it too late and miss out on being able to vote.

"It would be terrible if anyone who wants to vote turns up on polling day only to find that they can’t because they are not registered.

“It’s up to individuals to make sure this doesn’t happen to them. But the good news is that registration has never been easier.”

A campaign to encourage people to register for May's General Election gets underway today as part of National Voter Registration Day.

With three months to go until the General Election and local elections on May 7, residents are being urged to make sure they are registered to vote and community and residents’ groups are also being encouraged to take part.

Anyone living at a property who receives a letter, but whose name is not on the letter, should register online as soon as possible.

Kay Jenkins from the Electoral Commission said: “National Voter Registration Day exists because it’s important that anyone who’s eligible to be on the register, but has not yet registered, does so.

"Young people, students and people who have moved home recently are much less likely to be registered to vote. We’re urging them to use the day as an opportunity to get on the electoral register.”

Registering to vote is quick and easy and you can do it online in less than five minutes. You will need your National Insurance number.

If you are not sure whether you are registered, or wish to request a paper version of the registration form, you can call 01204 331248.

Visit gov.uk/registertovote