The biggest chance in how Prestonians register to vote is due to happen in the coming weeks.

Preston City Council are writing to more than 100,000 people in the Preston area to inform them they are now each individually responsible for registering to vote.

The previous system – around since the Victorian times – requires the head of the household to register everyone living in the property. This has led to accusations of electoral fraud in some areas of the UK.

Lorraine Norris, Preston city council’s electoral registration officer, said: “Preston residents will receive a letter around the 23rd and 31st July that will explain the change to the electoral registration system.

“Look out for the letter as it will tell you if you have been automatically transferred to the new register or not. If you have not been transferred, you will need to provide some additional information and the letter will tell you exactly what you need to do.”

Many Prestonians are expected to be automatically moved onto the new electoral role but some may need to register online to join it or remain on it.

Samantha Mills, Head of Campaigns at the Electoral Commission, said: “This summer the Electoral Commission will launch a major advertising campaign that will raise awareness of the change to Individual Electoral Registration. We welcome this change, which will lead to a more secure register and replace the outdated Victorian concept that a single ‘head of household’ is responsible for registering everyone.”

The general election is set to take place in May 2015, and you must be registered in advance of this to be eligible to vote.

You can find out more about the changes at aboutmyvote.co.uk

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