WYRE Forest residents are being urged to make sure they are registered to vote in the district council elections in May.

On Thursday May 3, people will go to the polls to have their say on who represents them at the local level.

Eleven seats on Wyre Forest District Council will be contested, one third of the total number.

It’s the last time the district council will elect one third of councillors. In 2019 the council will move to “all-out” elections every four years.

Anyone who has not already registered to vote must do so by midnight on Tuesday April 17.

People can register online by visiting www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. Anyone without access to the internet can get a paper copy of the registration form from the Worcestershire Hub at the Town Hall in Kidderminster.

Voters can also vote by post or proxy. Anyone not already registered for a postal or proxy vote will need to complete an application form, which is available from www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/voting.

The deadline for new postal voting requests is 5pm on Wednesday, April 18. For proxy votes it is 5.00pm on Wednesday 25 April 2018.

The polling stations for the by-elections will be open between 7am and 10pm on Thursday, May 3.

Anyone interested in standing in the election will need to submit signed nomination papers by 4pm on Friday, April 6.

More information about becoming a councillor is available at www.beacouncillor.co.uk and nomination packs are available by contacting Electoral Services on 01562 732733 or visiting Wyre Forest House.

Ian Miller, Returning Officer, said: “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 here in Wyre Forest. If you’re not registered by April 17, you won’t be able to vote.”

The count will be held on Friday, May 4 at Wyre Forest Leisure Centre.