Bluetooth technology is being used to help encourage people in Northampton to register to vote and not risk their credit rating.

Next year voters in Northampton will have the chance to have their say on who should represent them in the Guildhall, but only if they are registered. With Borough Council elections to be held in May 2011 and a possible referendum on voting reforms, people are being encouraged to register so they don’t miss out.

As well as sending out over 42,000 reminder letters Northampton Borough Council will be using Bluetooth to remind people to register to vote. Over the next couple of weeks a poster van will be travelling around the town. Inside the vehicle will be a Bluetooth transmitter that will send a message to Bluetooth enabled phones within 100 meters.

If you receive a reminder form, check to see if there are any changes that need to be made. If there are no changes then just call our free phone number 0808 146 0131, or visit www.register-online.co.uk. This year you must complete the Edited Register box if you do not want your details available other organisations apart from the statutory authorities and Credit Reference Agencies.

Northampton Borough Council electoral services manager Ross Thompson said: “It doesn’t take any time to complete the form and return it using the FREEPOST address. However, if there are no changes to the details printed on the form please use our FREEPHONE registration or internet systems as these are much more cost effective to the authority.

“If you aren’t on the electoral roll, not only will you be unable to vote, but you could also find your credit rating drop.”

This year’s deadline is Friday 26 November, but do not leave it to the last minute or risk forgetting about the form completely. All registrations must be received by then in time for publishing the electoral roll on 1 December. For further information or assistance call the electoral services telephone helpline on 01604 837111