Time is running out to register to vote in upcoming General Election

The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming General Election is fast approaching – with polling day on 4 July.

To vote in the elections people must be on the electoral register.

Residents have until 18 June to register to vote in the upcoming elections if they are not already registered.

People can register to vote at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or contact the Electoral Registration team for the District of Tendring by email at elections@tendringdc.gov.uk or call on 01255 686575.

Poll Cards for those already registered should now be arriving through Royal Mail.

The deadline for postal vote applications is at 5pm on 19 June. Voters have until 5pm on 26 June to apply for a proxy vote.

Ian Davidson, Acting Returning Officer for both the Clacton constituency and the Harwich and North Essex constituency, urged people to register to vote.

“The deadline for registering to vote is fast approaching,” he said.

“Registering to vote is quick and easy online, and sets you up to vote at all elections you are eligible for, so take the opportunity to do so now.

“You can contact our team, who will be happy to help you – we want to make sure that everyone is still able to cast their vote in the election next month.”

The area of the two constituencies has changed since the last General Election in 2019 following a review by the Boundary Commission for England.

As such, some electors who were previously in the Harwich and North Essex constituency will now find that their homes are now in the Clacton constituency. Likewise, some electors previously in Colchester constituency are now in Harwich and North Essex constituency. You can check which constituency you are in via tendringdc.gov.uk.

Following a change in the law two years ago, there is now a requirement for people to show a valid form of photo ID or the free alternative Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) when voting in person at a polling station.

The forms of photo ID that are accepted include a UK passport or driving licence, a Blue Badge, older or disabled person’s bus pass, PASS card or Defence Identity Card – but you can see the full list – along with details about how to apply for a VAC – at tendringdc.gov.uk/services/elections-and-voting.

Tendring District Council is encouraging people to join Find it Friday on 21 June, using that day to dig out their photo ID – and, if they cannot find accepted photo ID, to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate.

Polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm on Thursday, 4 July.