RESIDENTS are being reminded that they must be registered on the electoral roll if they wish to vote in this year’s elections.

The UK deadline to register to vote is Monday April 20.

Voters will go to the polls on May 7 to decide who they wish to represent them on West Dorset District Council, Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and the parliamentary seats for West and South Dorset.

If voters are away or are unable to get to their polling station on May 7 they can apply to vote by post.

The deadline for postal vote applications is 5pm on Tuesday April 21.

It is also possible to vote by proxy, where somebody will vote on your behalf.

Anyone who wishes to vote by proxy and has not done so before must be registered by 5pm on Tuesday April 28.

Matt Prosser, acting returning officer for West Dorset District Council and Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, said: “On May 7 residents will have the opportunity to vote in both the parliamentary elections and local council elections at the same time.

“If you want to have your say, make sure you are registered by the closing date.”

The count for the West Dorset and South Dorset parliamentary constituency will start at 10pm on May 7.

Weymouth and Portland borough councillors are elected in thirds and elections take place three out of every four years.

Littlemoor, Underhill and Westham East will not be having elections this year.

The count for Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and Portland Town Council will begin at 2.30pm on Friday May 8.

The count for West Dorset District Council and local town and parish councils will begin at 9am on Saturday 9 May.

For further details about how to register, or to register to vote by post or proxy email elections@westdorset-weymouth.gov.uk or call 01305 838299 or visit www.aboutmyvote.co.uk or www.dorsetforyou.com/elections