CHANGES to the way West Devon residents can register to vote could mean some young people aged from 16 to 18 may not be registered.

The Government has introduced a new way of registering to vote this year, which means West Devon Borough Council will not be sending the usual household electoral registration forms this autumn.

But it means that some young people may miss out on their vote — or be unable to stand for election — as they may not be registered.

With a General Election and local elections due to be held next May 2015, the council is urging young people to act now and register as soon as possible by completing their details online or by filling in a ­form from the council.

It's worth remembering that not being registered can affect your credit rating too as credit reference agencies use the electoral register to confirm an applicant's address in order to counteract fraud.

Individual Electoral Registration was introduced by the Government this year in a bid to reduce electoral fraud.

In this transition year, the majority of West Devon's electors will have received a letter confirming that their details are on the electoral register and need do nothing further.

Some may have had to complete a form and supply their national insurance number and date of birth.

If you have not received either of these letters, please contact the electoral services department on 01822 813665 or email [email protected]">[email protected]

If you know you are not registered, you are now able to include or change your details on the electoral roll online at http://www.gov.uk/registertovote">www.gov.uk/registertovote

It's a quick and easy website but you will need to know your national insurance number and include your date of birth.