PEOPLE living in Worcestershire are being reminded to register to vote ahead of the county council elections on Thursday, May 6.
The deadline for registering this year is Monday, April 19.
People already on the electoral register will receive a poll card before the election telling them where and when to vote.
Those unable to make it to their local polling station can apply for a postal vote or to vote by proxy.
A postal vote is when the ballot paper is received by post before the election and then returned in the same way.
A proxy vote allows residents to appoint another person to vote on their behalf, either at a polling station or by post.
Application forms for voting by post or proxy are available on the elections pages of local councils’ websites.
Postal applications need to be submitted by 5pm on Tuesday, April 20.
The deadline for receiving new applications to vote by proxy is 5pm on Tuesday, April 27.
Individuals isolating because of Covid will still be able to vote in the local elections, following an amendment to emergency proxy voting rules in Parliament.
Those self-isolating can access an emergency proxy vote, up until 5pm on election day.
Returning officer at Worcestershire County Council, Abraham Ezekiel, said: “Elections take place every four years and all of our 57 seats are due to be contested.
“This means residents have the opportunity to choose who they want to represent them as their local county councillor.
“However, you can only have your say if you are registered to vote.
“If you have not received a poll card by April 7, please contact the electoral services office at your local council to avoid losing your right to vote.”
Visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote to register.
