On Thursday 3 May residents in Richmond upon Thames will go to the polls to have their say on who represents them at a local level.

Local government elections select councillors, who are responsible for making decisions on running services in your local area. These include housing, education, planning, parks, leisure, social care and waste management.

In order to vote in this important election, residents must be on the electoral register. The deadline to register to vote in local elections is fast approaching. Therefore, Richmond Council is urging residents who have not registered at their current address to make sure they are registered in time.

The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Tuesday 17 April. Anyone can apply online at gov.uk/register-to-vote. It takes just five minutes.

Mark Maidment, Electoral Registration Officer for Richmond Council, said:

“There are less than four weeks left to register for the location elections. These elections are an opportunity to make your voice heard and have a say on who represents you.

“If you have turned 18, or if you have moved home recently, it’s particularly important that you act to ensure that you are registered. It takes just five minutes online

“Remember - if you’re not registered by 17 April, you won’t be able to vote.”

If in doubt, check your details by giving us a call on 020 8891 7775 or fill out our online form: www.richmond.gov.uk/register_to_vote

If you are registered to vote but would like to apply for a postal vote or make any changes to your existing absent vote details, the deadline for the local authority to receive the application is 5pm on Wednesday 18 April. To vote by proxy, applications must be received by 25 April 2018. You can download an application form.

If you are an EU elector you can vote in the local election, for eligibility in other elections, check here or visit the Electoral Commission for more information.

— from a Richmond Council press release - 22 March 2018