A Greater Manchester-wide campaign to encourage people to make sure they are registered gets underway today, to mark National Voter Registration Day.

With only just over three months to go until the General Election and local elections on 7 May, Greater Manchester residents are being urged to make sure they are registered to vote.

Registration drives will be taking place in various locations including libraries, youth centres, children’s centres and universities. Community and residents’ groups are also being encouraged to take part.

Registering to vote is quick and easy and you can do it online in less than five minutes at www.gov.uk/registertovote - you just need to have your National Insurance number handy.

Greater Manchester councils have written to every home in the region with details of who is currently on the electoral register at each property. Anyone living in the property, but whose name is not on the letter, should register online as soon as possible.

Theresa Grant, Electoral Registration Officer for Trafford speaking on behalf of the Greater Manchester campaign, said: “Our message is very simple. Register now, don’t leave it too late and inadvertently exclude yourself from the elections. It would be terrible if anyone who wants to vote turns up on polling day only to find that they can’t because they are not registered, or registered where they used to live.

“It’s up to individuals to make sure this doesn’t happen to them. But the good news is that registration has never been easier.”

Kay Jenkins, Head of English regions for the Electoral Commission, said: “National Voter Registration Day exists because it’s important that anyone who’s eligible to be on the register, but has not yet registered, does so. Young people, students and people who have moved home recently are much less likely to be registered to vote. We’re urging them to use the day as an opportunity to get on the electoral register.”

If you are not sure whether you are registered, or wish to request a paper version of the registration form, check with your local council.