The biggest shake-up to the electoral registration system in nearly 100 years will take place over the summer – and Lancaster City Council is urging everyone to take action when they receive a letter about the change.

All residents in the Lancaster district will receive a letter through the post telling them about the introduction of Individual Electoral Registration (IER).

This will replace the old Victorian system where the “head of household” registered everyone living in a property. Now, each individual will be responsible for registering themselves.

Many residents will automatically move onto the new electoral register. However, some will need to take action to join or remain on it, which they will now also be able to do for the first time by registering quickly and easily online.

With both a General Election and local elections taking place next year, it’s vitally important that people take action and read the letter to ensure they remain on the electoral register.

Lancaster City Council’s chief executive, Mark Cullinan, said: “It is extremely important that people register to vote and, in doing so, ensure their voice is heard.

“Look out for the letter as it will tell you if you have been automatically transferred to the new register or not. If you have not been transferred, you will need to provide some additional information and the letter will tell you exactly what you need to do.”

• For more information visit www.gov.uk/yourvotematters