More than 19,000 eligible Thanet voters will need to take action to ensure they can vote in the future.

For the first time, people in the district will be able to vote online.

Voters will be alerted in the next few weeks about a change in the electoral registration system.

They will receive a letter from the electoral registration officer about a move from the old “head of household” system to Individual Electoral Registration.

Thanet council reports that 81% of residents have automatically been transferred to the new electoral register. They will soon receive a letter of confirmation.

Another 19,452 previously registered residents that have not automatically been transferred will need to take action to continue to vote.

Anyone who receives a letter telling them they were not transferred can visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote to register to vote online.

Cllr Elizabeth Green, cabinet member for corporate services said: “With the general election and local district and parish elections taking place in May 2015, it’s important that all our residents are able to vote.

“Many will receive a letter from the electoral services team to tell them that they have automatically moved onto the new registration system. However, some will be told that they need to provide extra information in order to register under the new system. It’s important that they do this as soon as possible, online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or by contacting electoral services.”

Cllr Green continued: “This is the first time that people can register to vote online and it’s quick and simple. This should appeal to many young people or students, so if you’ve just turned 18 or you’ve not registered before, get online to register to vote.”

UK election watchdog The Electoral Commission has been calling for the introduction of Individual Electoral Registration since 2003 to ensure a more secure electoral register.

If you have not received a letter by the end of August, email: electoral.services@thanet.gov.uk or call 01843 577500.