Time is running out for you to register to make your voice heard.

Thursday 6 May is polling day and the clock is ticking for people in Hitchin and north Herts to register to vote.

Taking part in the process of local democracy will ensure you make their voice heard in next month's local elections, with the deadline only days away.

North Herts District Council is encouraging anyone not yet registered to go online before the deadline of midnight on Monday (April 19) to secure their opportunity to take part in the vote.

Alternatively, please call the Electoral Services Helpline on 01462 474503 and they will send you an Individual Registration form.

You cannot vote by post or by proxy if you have not successfully registered under Individual Electoral Registration.

Not sure if you've already registered?

Check if you are registered under Individual Electoral Registration by calling the Electoral Services Helpline on 01462 474503.

Remember: to vote in local or parliamentary elections your name must be on the register of electors.

You can register up to 12 working days before an election.

What is happening and why?

Local elections scheduled for Thursday, May 7, 2020, that were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, are now set to take place on Thursday, May 6, 2021 - when people in north Herts will have their say on who represents them

In order to vote in these important elections, residents must be on the electoral register.

In addition to the postponed 2020 elections to the district council - elections for the town and parish councils and the police and crime commissioner for Hertfordshire are also set to take place on the same day.

Make your voice heard

With the deadline to register to vote fast approaching North Herts District Council (NHDC) 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, April 19.

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.

It takes just five minutes to apply online here.

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 April 19, you won't be able to vote."

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 here

What and who are we voting to elect?

This year people in north Herts will be voting in a number of different elections and will select:

County councillors and in some areas district and town/parish 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 and Crime Commissioner (PCC) -

who oversees your local police force and ensures they are prioritising what matters to you

...............

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.

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 safe places to vote on May 6.

For information on elections in their area, how to register to vote, or how to apply to vote by post or by proxy, voters click here

District council elections will be held in each of the following wards:

Baldock East

Baldock Town

Chesfield

Hitchin Bearton

Hitchin Highbury

Hitchin Oughton

Hitchin Priory

Hitchin Walsworth

Hitchwood, Offa and Hoo

Knebworth

Letchworth East

Letchworth Grange

Letchworth South East

Letchworth South West

Letchworth Wilbury

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