HUNDREDS of members of the armed forces in Plymouth could lose their chance to vote this year if they do not fill in a voter registration form.

Each year personnel across the UK, and on deployment overseas, cannot have their say in elections because they do not register to vote by the deadline.

Now, members of the armed forces are being encouraged to go along to a unit registration day – to be held at bases throughout February – or download and fill in a registration form at www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/armedforces.

Plymouth City Council elections will take place on Thursday May 3.

Samantha Mills, head of campaigns at the Electoral Commission, said: "The elections are not far away so it's important that people register to vote as soon as possible to avoid losing their say.

"It's quick and easy to register, and by doing so you can secure your vote for the upcoming elections and make sure you have your say on the issues that matter to you.

"The armed forces are made up of a very mobile population; moving house, moving base and being deployed overseas are all factors that result in lower registration rates among personnel.

"We are encouraging all members of the armed forces to register before the deadline on 18 April 2012 or, if you think you are already registered, to double check that you are on the electoral roll."

A total of 75 per cent of service personnel who responded to a Ministry of Defence survey last year said they were on the electoral register, however recent research by the Electoral Commission shows that 44 per cent of those not registered incorrectly believed that they were.

Personnel who know they will be abroad on Thursday, May 3, this year, or who can't make it to a polling station in person for another reason, can apply to vote by post or by choosing a proxy – a person they trust to vote on their behalf.