Residents are due to receive a letter telling them about the biggest change to the electoral registration system in almost a century and the effects it may have on them.

Sevenoaks District Council has written to everyone on the current electoral register and the letters are expected arrive on residents’ doormats from tomorrow.

The letter will explain that a new system of Individual Electoral Registration is being introduced to replace the old system where the ‘head of household’ registered everyone living in a property.

Now, each individual will be responsible for registering themselves.

The letter will tell residents about the ‘open register’, the version of the electoral register that’s available to anyone who wants to buy a copy and will explain how residents can opt out of, or into, the open register by contacting the council.

“Those who have not been transferred will need to provide some additional information and the letter will tell them exactly what they need to do” - Christian Everett

Most residents should automatically move onto the new electoral register. However, some may need to take action to join or remain on it, which they can do for the first time by registering online.

Christian Everett, the council’s electoral services manager, says: “Residents should look out for the letter as it will tell them if they’ve been automatically transferred to the new register or not.

“Those who have not been transferred will need to provide some additional information and the letter will tell them exactly what they need to do."

Residents who do not receive a letter should contact the elections team on 01732 227000 or e-mail elreg@sevenoaks.gov.uk