Reminder − make sure you’re registered to vote in the general election

On Thursday 8 June voters in Cheltenham will go to the polls to elect their Member of Parliament in the general election. The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Monday 22 May.

Anyone not registered to vote at their current address can register online at www.gov.uk/registertovote

If you will be unable to cast your vote in person on 8 June, you can apply for a postal or proxy vote.

Voting by post is an easy and convenient alternative to voting in person. In England, Scotland and Wales, the deadline to apply to vote by post for the general election is 5pm on Tuesday 23 May.

Proxy voting allows you to nominate someone else to cast your vote for you. The deadline to apply to vote by proxy at the general election is 5pm on Wednesday 31 May.

Pat Pratley, electoral registration officer for Cheltenham Borough Council, says: “The general election registration deadline is fast approaching. With just a few days to go, we urge everyone in Cheltenham to register to vote by the 22 May deadline to ensure that their voice is heard on Thursday 8 June.”

Emma Hartley, head of campaigns at the Electoral Commission, said: “Our research indicates that recent home movers in particular are less likely to be registered to vote. Often people think that applying to pay council tax means you are added to the electoral register too, but that is not the case. If you’ve moved house in the past few months make sure you take five minutes and go online to register to vote now.”

For more information on elections in Cheltenham, including how to register for a postal vote and to see the statement of persons nominated, visit the council’s website: www.cheltenham.gov.uk/elections