Reminders are due to be sent out to more than 16,000 households across Swale prompting them to return their voter registration forms.

So far more than 41,000 households across the borough have responded to the annual canvass form, meaning they are now eligible to vote in next year's Swale council elections.

In order to vote residents must be on the electoral register.

If there are no amendments to be made residents can confirm their details online or over the phone.

The information is required by law and each year residents are also asked to state whether they wish to appear on the edited version of the electoral register.

Next year will see the first full council elections for Swale on May 5.

The proposed national referendum on voting reform is expected to be held on the same day.

Abdool Kara, Swale council's chief executive and returning officer, said "While we have had an encouraging response so far there are lots of people who still need to register to vote.

"Only those who are on the electoral register can vote in next year's elections."

For help completing the form call the helpline on 01795 417316.