Are you registered to vote in this year's local council elections?

Local elections to both the county council and parish council are scheduled to be held on Thursday 4 May 2017 and polling cards are currently being delivered to all eligible voters.

It is important to make sure that you are registered to vote.

We have reproduced below a press release issued by the county council containing more information about the registration process and about what you should do if you are not registered to vote or if you would like a postal vote:

Residents urged to make sure they are registered to vote

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Residents in County Durham are being reminded that they must be on the electoral register in order to vote in the upcoming elections.

County and Parish Council elections will be held on Thursday 4 May 2017.

Anyone who is not registered is encouraged to apply online via www.gov.uk/register-to-vote by Thursday 13 April.

Poll cards will be delivered to those who are already registered between Friday 31 March and Monday 3 April, and will contain information on where to vote.

Voters who are listed on the electoral register can request a postal or proxy vote.

The deadline for postal vote applications is 5pm on Tuesday 18 April and the deadline for proxy vote applications is 5pm on Tuesday 25 April.

To request a paper copy of either application form, contact electoral services by phone on 03000 261212 or via email electoralservices@durham.gov.uk