Time running out for people in Peterborough to register to vote in May's elections

All 60 seats in 22 wards will be contested in city council elections on Thursday, May 5. Voters will also elect the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cambridgeshire.

The quickest and easiest way to register to vote is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

People can also do it in person at the Town Hall in Bridge Street by bringing supporting documents to verify their name and address. This can be with a passport or driving licence, or a utility or council tax bill.

If you won’t be able to cast your vote in person at your polling station next month, then you still have time to apply for a postal or a proxy vote.

New applications to vote by post, or to cancel or change an existing postal vote, must be made by Tuesday, April 19 at 5pm. Applications to vote by proxy must be made by Tuesday, April 26 at 5pm.

To be able to vote by post or proxy you must first be registered to vote.

Postal and proxy vote application forms are available by calling the council’s electoral services team on 01733 452249 or emailing [email protected].

After completing the form, you’ll need to print it, sign it, and send it back to Peterborough City Council, Electoral Registration Officer, Electoral Services, Bridge Street, Town Hall, Peterborough, PE1 1GF.

You need to sign your application form personally because the electoral registration office needs a copy of your signature for voting security reasons. This helps to ensure the security of your vote and is used to tackle electoral fraud.

Again, people can also visit the Town Hall in Bridge Street, Peterborough to register. Residents must bring documents to verify their name and address (a utility bill or council tax bill), and either a passport or driving licence that includes a photograph.

Voting by proxy is a convenient way of voting if you are unable to get to the polling station. By proxy just means that you appoint someone you trust to vote on your behalf.

When you apply for a proxy vote you have to provide a reason.

You can apply for a proxy vote if:

. You are unable to go to the polling station for one particular election, for example, if you are away on holiday

. You have a physical condition that means you cannot go to the polling station on election day

. Your employment means that you cannot go to the polling station on election day

. Your attendance on an educational course means that you cannot go to the polling station on election day

. You are a British citizen living overseas

. You are a crown servant or a member of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces

With the exception of those who are registered blind, you may have to get someone to support your application to confirm that your reason for applying to vote by proxy is valid.

More information can be found at www.peterborough.gov.uk/council/elections.