RESIDENTS in Selby may be visited by council staff and asked to re-register to vote after a change in the registration system.

Letters were sent out in summer to people who were affected by the changes, but some have not responded.

Homes which were sent a Household Enquiry form to allow the council to establish who was living at the property will also be visited by the council if they have not returned it.

The council's electoral registration officer and chief executive Mary Weastell said even those who did not intend to vote must register or face a financial penalty.

She said: "Many residents don't realise that it is a legal requirement to be registered to vote. Even if you don't use that vote in elections or referendums you must still be on the electoral register and failure to do so can result in an £80 fine.

"Similarly, it is a legal requirement to return a Household Enquiry Form even if you are already registered to vote and pay council tax as it is not always clear from these records how many people in the household are eligible to vote. If this form is not returned then residents could face an even bigger fine of £1000."

For details phone 01757 705101, electoralregistration@selby.gov.uk or go to selby.gov.uk