WITH Essex County Council elections approaching, voters in the Basildon borough are being urged to make sure they are registered to vote and are able to take part on polling day.

The call for voters to sign up comes as the Electoral Commission has launched a national voter registration campaign to encourage as many people as possible to register ahead of elections taking place this year across the country.

Basildon Council is now also reminding voters in the borough that they need to register by the deadline of Thursday April 13, if they aren’t already registered, otherwise they won’t be able to take part in the Essex County Council elections.

Bala Mahendran, Deputy Returning Officer and Chief Executive of Basildon Council, said: “Time is running out to make sure you can take part in the Essex County Council elections this May, so I’d encourage everyone in the Basildon borough to take action now if they’re not already registered to vote.

"It’s quick and easy to register, but after the deadline of 13 April, it will be too late.”

The May elections will take place on Thursday May 4.

Emma Hartley, Head of Campaigns at the Electoral Commission said: “Our research shows that young people, students and recent home movers are particularly less likely to be registered to vote. So if you have moved house recently, then make sure you’re registered correctly.

"If you’re not registered, you won’t be able to have your say on issues that directly affect your day-to-day life in Essex.”

To register to vote, visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote