Households are in danger of losing the right to vote after over 1,000 people in the district have failed to register.

Epping Forest District Council fear that emails asking residents to sign up for the 2015 general election may have been sent to junk mail inboxs.

Over 1000 residents, who have not yet registered, have recieved a total of three forms, some of which are addressed to 'The Present Occupier' which still requires a reply even if the property is empty.

The law states that all those over the age of 16 must register.

Glen Chipp, Returning Officer for Epping Forest District Council says some people may not be familiar with Individual Electoral Registration, the new way of registering to vote.

He said: “The good news is the vast majority of our residents have registered but there are still a significant number of mainly younger people aged 16 and 17 who have yet to register.

“With a General Election due next year, time is running out particularly for those who will be 18 by May 7.

"We may simply be asking for a date of birth or National Insurance number, this is particularly important for those who vote by post as they will lose their postal vote if we are unable to verify their details.

“The right to vote is too important to be lost by missing out on registration. If you receive an envelope about registration – please respond immediately, this is the final reminder.”