Don't let the horror of not being able to vote creep up on you this Halloween!

Forms were sent out to every household at the end of August to gather information for the revised Register of Electors which will be published by December 1.

Around 112,000 forms were sent out initially as well as a reminder and so far around 75 per cent of households have responded. This leaves almost 28,000 households with the terrifying reality of losing their right to vote.

These people are being reminded that if they fail to return the form their name and those of everyone living in their house who is eligible to vote may not be included on the Electoral Register.

The Electoral Register is not only used for voting purposes. Credit Reference Agencies are legally entitled to use it to check details. So your credit rating can be affected if you are not included.

Householders are also reminded that they are required by law to return these forms and could in extreme cases face a fine for refusing to do so or for giving false information.

So, if you hear a rap, rap, rap at your door, please don't ignore it. It won't be a late trick or treater. But, it could be a canvasser out visiting non-responders. They will be out and about from November 12 to 22.

If you have not yet received a form please contact the Electoral Services help line on 01709 823590.