THE DEADLINE is fast approaching for Wyre Forest residents to register to vote in this year's round of elections happening on Thursday, May 7.

As well as the parliamentary election happening, there will also be elections held for Stourport Town Council, other parish councils, and a whole council election for Wyre Forest District Council due to the number of wards and councillors being reduced to 12 wards and 33 councillors.

People in Kidderminster who are registered to vote, will also be able to take part in a Local Advisory Poll on the same day. They will be asked to vote on, 'Should Kidderminster have a Town Council?’.

Ian Miller, acting returning officer for Wyre Forest, said: "You can’t vote unless you’re registered. Anyone who will be 18 or over on Thursday, May 7, and has not yet registered to vote should do so as soon as possible if they want to have their say on issues that affect their lives. It only takes a few minutes to complete the form online."

The deadline for registering is midnight on Monday, April 20, and can be done online at gov.uk/register-to-vote. Anyone without access to the internet can get a paper copy of the registration form from the Worcestershire Hub at the Town Hall in Kidderminster.

Postal votes can be requested, which means voters can cast their vote by post instead of visiting a polling station on the day itself. The deadline for applying for a postal vote is 5pm on Tuesday, April 21. A postal vote application form can be downloaded from wyreforestdc.gov.uk/elections. It can also be requested by emailing electoral@wyreforestdc.gov.uk or by phone on 01562 732928.