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Staggering 8,000 names removed from electoral register across county’s two constituencies

A staggering 8,000 names have been removed from the electoral register across county Armagh’s two constituency areas.

These names have been removed from the Electoral Register since the last Assembly election in May 2016.

The Newry and Armagh area has seen 4,534 names removed while in Upper Bann, 3,451 names have been scratched from the list.

The Electoral Office said that those removed from the list had not responded to its high profile canvass held during the Autumn of 2013.

The canvass, which cost around £3.5m, sought to improve the accuracy of the North’s electoral register. It was the first conducted since 2006.

Those who did not respond to the Electoral Office’s campaign were allowed to stay on the register until after the 2016 Assembly election.

However the names have now been removed.

The news comes as Northern Ireland confirms another Assembly election on March 2, following the fallout from the RHI scheme scandal – just 10 months on from the last election.

Each constituency is set to lose one MLA with the numbers being reduced from six to five.

Sinn Fein’s Catherine Seeley has withdrawn from any potential race as she pursues a career, however, she will remain politically active.

HOW TO CHECK

To check whether you’re still on the electoral register, phone the Electoral Office Helpline on 0800 4320 712. You will be asked to provide your name, address and date of birth, and we will confirm if you are registered.

The Helpline opening hours are 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 4pm on Friday.

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