Voters across the Cotswolds are being encouraged to make sure they are registered and have applied for postal voting ahead of the deadlines so that they can vote in the local elections on May 6.

To take part in any election anyone over the age of 18 must be registered in the area they live in.

Some people eligible to vote may not be registered and therefore will not be able to cast a vote.

This may be because they have recently moved or are voting for the first time.

Poll cards have now been sent to all individuals registered to vote which contain information on a voters polling station and election details.

Any residents who have registered and not received a poll card should contact Cotswold District Council.

Residents can register to vote through the Government website which takes only five minutes to complete.

Some residents prefer to vote by post or by proxy - where another individual casts a vote on a registered voter’s behalf when that individual can not vote themselves.

To be able to use a proxy vote, applications must be in by Tuesday, April 27, by 5 pm.

This year, there are emergency powers which mean that you can apply for a proxy up to 5pm on May 6 if you have Covid-19 symptoms or have been asked to self isolate.

By using a postal vote residents can make sure their voice is heard at the local elections from the safety of their home.

Residents can apply for postal voting now and have to get their application in before the deadline of 5pm on April 20.

Voters can apply for postal or proxy voting by visiting the council website at cotswold.gov.uk/registertovote or calling 01285 623002.

Jan Britton, returning officer for Cotswold District District, said: “I would urge people to make sure they have registered ahead of the required deadlines so that they have the chance to have their say in this year’s local elections.

“For anyone interested in voting by post this year they need to make sure they apply for their postal vote before 5pm on April 20, 2021.

“We are quickly approaching the deadline and I would encourage people to sign up sooner rather than later.”