Residents are being urged to register their right to vote in time for local elections on 6 May.

This year residents of Maldon District will be voting in different elections and will select:

-county councillors, who represent their local area and residents, and contribute to the development of policies in areas such as transport, social care or housing

-the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC) who is responsible for policing and the fire and rescue service

-district councillors for Tollesbury and Heybridge East Wards due to by-elections

-Heybridge Basin Parish Council – a new parish council.

A spokesperson for Maldon District Council said: "In order to vote in these important elections, residents must be on the electoral register.

"With the deadline to register to vote fast approaching, Maldon District Council is urging people who have not registered at their current address to make sure they are registered in time."

The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Monday, 19 April. It takes just five minutes to apply online at the Government website by using the link here.

Paul Dodson, Returning Officer for Maldon District Council, 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 the Maldon district. If you're not registered by 19 April, you won't be able to vote."

Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance at the Electoral Commission said: "You can't have your say in these important elections unless you are registered to vote. It's quick and easy – it takes just five minutes online.

"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."

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 Covid-safe places to vote on 6 May.

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

There are links for registering for postal or proxy votes in the article at the link here.