THE number of Wyre Forest residents on the newly published Register of Electors has decreased by more than 2,500 since last complied in February.

There are currently 77,866 electors listed on the register which represents a 3.22 per cent drop.

Wyre Forest District Council said the numbers have fallen “in common with many other areas” due to the consequence of altering the method of registering to vote which came into effect in June.

Individual Electoral Registration (IER), where each individual is responsible for registering themselves, replaced the old system in which the head of household registered everyone living in a property.

The vast majority of Wyre Forest district residents automatically moved onto the new electoral register, however, some needed to take action to join or remain on it – before the deadline of April 2015.

Ian Miller, electoral registration officer, said: “We are pleased with how the move to IER has gone and the team is working hard to get as many people who are eligible to vote to register.

“It seems probable that the reduction in the number of registered electors is the result of people not realising that it is now their individual responsibility to register, despite the reminders that they have been sent.

“I would particularly ask students to check that they are registered. They can’t rely on their parents or college to do it for them, as may have been the case in the past.”

In May 2015, votes will be carried out in Wyre Forest regarding the general election, elections for 33 district councillors, as well as a number of parish and town councils.

There will also be a poll in Kidderminster as to whether there should be a town council.

Mr Miller added: “This means it is really important to be on the register.

“With the new system of IER it is easier than ever because you can register online.”

A letter has been sent by the district council explaining the new process to all households.

The full Register of Electors is available to view at Bewdley and Stourport libraries as well as the Worcestershire Hub at Kidderminster Town Hall.

For more information, or to register, call 01562 732928, visit the Worcestershire Hub, or log on to gov.uk/register-to-vote