One in 27 people could miss out on having a say in the general election.

Brighton and Hove is set to be a key battleground in deciding who runs the country, however 3% of people eligible to vote still have not signed up.

The city council has said that so far 192,861 have registered to vote.

Figures from the Office of National Statistics, shows there are 200,079 people, including European Union nationals and peers in Brighton and Hove eligible to vote. This means 7,218 still have not registered with just six weeks to go until the predicted May 6 polling day.

Brighton and Hove electoral services office are urging the 7,000 unregistered residents not to wait until the official election date is announced before signing up to vote.

The council’s chief executive and the city’s acting returning officer John Barradell said residents must use or lose their vote. He added: “The time between the election date being announced and the last chance to register to vote can be a matter of a few days. If you are not on the electoral register, you won't be able to vote.”

To check whether you are registered by phoning the Electoral Services Office at Brighton Town Hall, on (01273) 291999. Information about registering can also be found at www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/vote and www.aboutmyvote.co.uk.