Residents reminded to register to vote

Residents in the Wyre Forest area are being reminded to ensure they are registered to vote ahead of the County Council elections on Thursday 4 May 2017.

Anyone who wants to vote in the forthcoming County Council elections must be on the Register of Electors. The electoral register is maintained and published by Wyre Forest District Council.

People that are already on the electoral register will receive a poll card before the election telling them where and when to vote. If you do not receive one you should contact electoral services on 01562 732733 or email electoral@wyreforestdc.gov.uk. Alternatively you can visit the national vote registration website at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

If you are unable to make it to your local polling station, you can apply for a postal vote or to vote by proxy. A postal vote means that you receive your ballot paper by post before the election and return it the same way. A proxy vote allows you to appoint another person to vote on your behalf, either at a polling station or by post.

Application forms for voting by post or by proxy are available from www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/elections.

Simon Mallinson, Returning Officer for Worcestershire County Council, said: "The County Council elections take place every 4 years and all our 57 seats are due to be contested on Thursday 4 May. 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. The last date for registration is Thursday 13 April. If you have not received a poll card by Wednesday 5 April, please contact the electoral services office at Wyre Forest District Council so that you don't lose your right to vote."

For further information about the County Council elections, including how to become a County Councillor, go to www.worcestershire.gov.uk/elections.

Following the publication of the Notice of Election on Monday 20 March prospective candidates have up until 4pm on Tuesday 4 April to get their nomination papers submitted.

Keep up to date with the progress of the County Council elections on Twitter by following @worcscc and using #wccelections