Make sure you're registered to vote: Here's what you need to do to be able to vote in May's Local Elections

In order to vote in these Local Council, Town and Parish elections, residents must be on the electoral register.

The deadline to register to vote is less than a month away so now is the time for people not registered at their current address to make sure they are registered in time.

The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Friday 12 April. Anyone can apply online and it takes just five minutes. Visit Elections and voting or telephone 01642 526196. You will need your National Insurance number.

Local government elections select councillors, who are responsible for making decisions on running services in your local area. These include housing, education, transport, planning, parks, leisure, fire and public safety, social care and waste management.

Margaret Waggott, Assistant Director Administration, Democratic and Electoral Services at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: We are urging people who are not registered to vote to do so immediately to ensure they can have their say in the outcome. These elections are an opportunity to make your voice heard and have a say on who represents you on issues that directly affect day-to-day life. If you're not registered by 12 April, you won't be able to vote."

Melanie Davidson, Head of Support and Improvement at the Electoral Commission, said: "If you have recently turned 18 or moved home, it is particularly important that you act to ensure that you are registered to vote. It takes just five minutes online and means that you can take part in this important election."

If you were registered to vote in the last election and your details have not changed, you will still be registered to vote."

If you are unable to go to a polling station on 2 May and would like to apply for a postal vote or appoint someone to vote on your behalf you can do so.  Postal voters must register by 5pm on Monday 15 April and proxy voters should register by 5pm on Wednesday 24 April.

If you or someone you know requires assistance to register to vote please call the registration helpline on 01642 526196.