RESIDENTS are being urged to make sure they can vote in next month’s General Election.

Voters have until 11.59pm on November 26 to register to vote in the December 12 poll.

Residents are being advised to check they are registered as soon as possible and consider applying for a postal vote if they might struggle to get to a polling station on the day.

The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on November 26, while the deadline to apply for a proxy vote – where a nominated post can vote on your behalf – is 5pm on December 4.

Kath O’Dwyer, acting returning officer at Cheshire East Council, said: “It is important that everyone who is eligible is able to have their say in the General Election. So don’t leave it too late to register to vote or register for a postal ballot.

“A healthy democracy needs actively-engaged voters – and you won’t be able to vote if you aren’t registered or respond too late for the election deadlines.

“It is important that people have the chance to have their say on the local, national and international issues that impact on us all.

“So, I would urge everyone of voting age to spend just the handful of minutes it takes to ensure they are registered to vote.”

Anyone who is not registered will be unable to vote.

Polling cards are now being delivered to households across Cheshire while postal ballot papers are expected to arrive around December 4.

Andrew Lewis, returning officer for CWAC, added: “If you have a postal vote you can vote on a day that suits you in the run up to the election.

“This could be ideal if you know you’re going to be busy in the run-up to Christmas, juggling work, family or caring responsibilities or worried about getting out when it gets colder.”

Residents should check their nearest polling station as there have been changes since the last election.

Knutsford, Wilmslow and Middlewich residents who have not received their polling card by Monday, November 18, should call CEC on 0300 123 5016 to check they are registered.

Northwich and Winsford residents can check by emailing elreg@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

READ > Election candidates in Northwich, Winsford and Middlewich

READ > Election candidates in Knutsford, Wilmslow and Holmes Chapel

To register to vote visit gov.uk/register to vote

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on December 12.