Thousands of residents could find themselves without a vote in the forthcoming elections because their names are not on the borough’s electoral register.

Only eligible adults listed on the register will be able to vote in the local and general elections.

Local elections will take place on May 6 and people only have until Tuesday April 20 to register.

Although there is a record 250,792 names on the register, electoral staff are convinced this isn’t an accurate reflection of eligible voters.

Now, the council has launched a campaign to let 14,000 people who need to join the register that they have ‘No vote, no voice, no excuse’.

A spokesman said: “Elections provide a real chance for people to be heard on issues that affect their everyday life and that not being registered means not being able to influence the politicians who will run local and central government over the next four or five years.”

Changing address is a key reason for non-registration. The Electoral Commission also says that non-registration is highest among young people aged between 17 - 24 and people from black and minority ethnic communities.

Jon Rouse, the borough returning officer and council chief executive, said: “It’s amazing to think that with so much national publicity being given to the approaching general election, some people may be denying themselves the chance to vote.

"14,000 is the kind of attendance for a Palace match at Selhurst Park. Anyone who’s seen that kind of crowd will instantly appreciate it’s a significant number.

“This year it’s more important than ever with both a general election and local election taking place.

"But anyone who is not registered won’t be able to express a choice at the ballot box. Their omission could be crucial; some local and national seats in Croydon have been won by less than 100 votes - so every single vote really does count.

“Registration officers have a legal duty to promote participation in the registration process - and we will be intensifying our effort over the next few weeks to maximise the number of people in Croydon who can take part in balloting.

"We want the register to be as accurate as possible by including all eligible voters.”

Anyone wanting a registration form should contact Croydon’s electoral registration staff by calling 020 8726 6300 or sending an email to: electoral.services@croydon.gov.uk. Forms may also be downloaded from the electoral services page on www.croydon.gov.uk.