On Thursday, May 6 residents in North Herts will have their say on who represents them at the local election.

In order to vote, residents must be on the electoral register, and with the deadline fast approaching North Herts District Council is urging people who have not registered at their current address to make sure they do so in time.

The deadline for registration is midnight on Monday, April 19. It takes just five minutes to apply online at https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

This year residents in North Herts will be voting in a number of different elections. These include selecting county councillors, and in some areas selecting district and town or parish councillors.

Elections are also being held for the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), who oversees the local police force.

Melanie Stimpson, electoral registration officer for NHDC, said: "Time is running out to make sure you can take part in these elections. They 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 here in North Herts.

"If you’re not registered by 19 April, you won’t be able to vote.”

Voters have a range of options for casting their ballot – in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote.

For those who choose to vote in person, polling stations will be taking measures to ensure they are safe places to vote on May 6.

The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on April 20, and for a proxy vote the deadline is 5pm on April 27.

Ailsa Irvine, director of electoral administration and guidance 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.

“If you were registered to vote in the last election and your details have not changed, you don’t need to take any action.

If in doubt, you can check with your local authority on 01462 474000.”

For more information on elections and how to register to vote go to www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voter