Worcester residents are being urged to ensure they're registered to vote by the deadline of 16 April so that they can have their say in the local elections on Thursday 2 May.
The elections are for all 35 seats on Worcester City Council and also for the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner.
This is the first time that Worcester residents will be voting for all 35 city councillors on the same day. Previously one third of councillors were elected each year, but the Council has now moved to a system of all-out elections held once every four years.
There is also another significant change this year, with the polls being fought on a new electoral map which sees the number of wards in the city increase from 15 to 16.
The City Council is responsible for services such as planning, bin collections, housing, leisure and parks - and local people are urged to go to the polls to choose the person they would like to represent them on the council.
Shane Flynn, Returning Officer for Worcester, said: "Time is running out to make sure you can take part in Worcester's local elections. If you have recently turned 18 or moved home, it is particularly important to make sure you are correctly registered to vote. Remember, if you are not registered before midnight on April 16, you won't be able to take part, so please take five minutes to go to gov.uk/registertovote(opens in a new window).
"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 the City Council at
"Voters will be required to show photo identification in order to vote at polling stations on 2 May. You can find out what forms of ID will be accepted and how to obtain free ID at www.worcester.gov.uk/elections(opens in a new window), where you can also apply for a postal or proxy vote."
Those wishing to apply for a postal vote or a proxy vote, where they nominate someone else to cast their ballot paper for them, should go to www.worcester.gov.uk/elections(opens in a new window). The deadline for postal vote applications is 5pm on 17 April, while for a proxy application the deadline is 5pm on 24 April.
A wide range of photo ID will be accepted at polling stations, which most people will already have. These include a passport, a driving licence, an immigration document and some travel passes, such as an older person's bus pass. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for free ID, either online or by completing a paper form. The deadline to apply for these Voter Authority Certificates is 24 April and details of how to apply are at www.worcester.gov.uk/elections(opens in a new window).
That webpage also includes full details of the new City Council electoral wards, including an interactive map.
Find out more about the election for the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner.
