The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming election for the Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner is fast approaching – with polling day on 2 May.

To vote in the elections people need to be on the electoral register. While the deadline for voter registration for the upcoming elections is Tuesday, 16 April, residents are urged to act now. People can register to vote at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or call the TDC Electoral Services team on 01255 686575.

Adults in Tendring are probably eligible to vote, including those who live in a refuge, are in the Armed Forces, or are a qualifying Commonwealth or EU national. Sixteen and 17-year-olds should also register ready for when they are 18.

Residents wishing to vote by post, rather than at a polling station, must apply to do so by 5pm on Wednesday, 17 April. Applications for proxy votes, where voters know they will be away on polling day or have accessibility issues, must be made by 5pm on Wednesday, 24 April. If something happens after then voters may be able to get an emergency proxy vote up until 5pm on 2 May itself.

Poll cards have been sent out in Tendring to voters already registered, and detail how and where to vote. If anyone has not received theirs then they should check they are registered to vote.

If voters have received a postal vote poll card and wish to cast their ballot in person – or vice versa – then please contact Tendring’s Electoral Services team.

Polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm on Thursday, 2 May. Voters are reminded that they need to bring photo ID to be able to vote – find out more about this, including what to do you if you do not have photo ID, at www.tendringdc.gov.uk/services/elections-and-voting. TDC is encouraging people to join Find it Friday on 19 April, 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.

Anyone who may need additional help to vote is encouraged to contact the council’s Election Service for assistance.

Ian Davidson, the Local Returning Officer for Tendring, said the deadline for registering to vote was fast approaching.

“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,” Mr Davidson added.

“You can only vote if you are registered, so it is important to make sure you are registered by the deadline to give you that opportunity.

“If you plan to vote in person then make sure you have a valid form of photo ID, or the free alternative Voter Authority Certificate.”