RESIDENTS across the Cotswolds are being reminded to register to vote ahead of an upcoming election.

The police and crime commissioner election will take place on Thursday, May 2 and all residents need to make sure they are registered and have applied for identification if needed.

Chris Nelson (Conservative) is the current crime commissioner for Gloucestershire and his role is to oversee how crime is tackled in a police force area.

The next elected representative will work with the police and other partners to cut crime and give the public a voice at the highest level. 

There are various deadlines to register to vote in this election that residents need to be aware of.

Any Cotswold resident over 18 years old can fill out an application to register to vote through the government's website on www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Electors who would like to vote by post must register before 5pm on Wednesday, April 17 and will need to provide their national insurance number as part of the application. 

If you have an existing postal vote arrangement, you do not need to apply again.

Meanwhile, applications to use a proxy vote must be submitted by 5pm on Wednesday, April 24.

Proxy voters will be required to show their own valid ID when voting on behalf of someone else.

Electors choosing to vote in person are being urged to make sure they are ready to vote in May by checking they have an accepted form of photographic ID.

Robert Weaver, local returning officer for Cotswold District Council, said: “With Police and Crime Commissioner elections taking place in Gloucestershire in May, it is important that those who want to vote make sure they are registered, have applied for postal votes and have an accepted form of ID.

“It may seem early but applying now means you will be ready to vote in May and won’t risk missing the national deadlines.

“Anyone voting at a polling station will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper as part of national law.

"It’s important that everyone understands what types of ID they can use, and how to apply for free ID if they need it.

“Residents who do not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for free ID either online or by completing a paper application form which is available at our offices or by calling us at 01285 623002.

"If you need any help with applying for the free ID or want to request an application form, please contact us at the number above.”