Are you ready to vote ahead of local elections in May?

Stockton-on-Tees Borough residents have just a month left to register to vote ahead of May's local elections.

A local election, which is held every four years, is taking place in Stockton-on-Tees on Thursday, May 4.

At the election, 56 Councillors will be elected across 27 separate wards.

But residents must be registered to vote by midnight on Monday, April 17 in order to have their say.

How do I register to vote?

It's quick and easy to register online by visiting the dedicated GOV.UK web page.

If you're unable to register online, please call our Voter Registration Helpline on 01642 526196 to arrange a paper application form.

And don't forget you'll need ID to vote in-person

This year's local elections will be the first time that people across the UK will need to show photographic ID to vote at a polling station.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport, a UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers' licence, and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person's bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card.

Voters will be able to use expired photo ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for a free photographic ID online or by completing a paper form by 5pm on Tuesday, April 25.

A full list of acceptable forms of Voter ID can be found on the electoral commission website.

If you need any assistance, call 01642 526196.

What are the other ways I can vote?

If you would prefer not to vote in-person, you can also apply to vote by post or by proxy, which means you nominate someone you trust to vote on your behalf.

To apply to vote by post, visit the GOV.UK apply for a postal vote web page.

You must apply to vote by post by 5pm on Tuesday, April 18.

If you'd like to apply to vote by proxy, you need to do this by 5pm on Tuesday, April 25 by calling 01642 526196. 

Where can I find out more?

To find out more on the upcoming elections, visit the elections and voting web page.