Are you ready to vote ahead of elections this May?

Residents have just over a month left to register to vote ahead of upcoming elections in May.

On Thursday, May 2, two elections are taking place across the Tees Valley.

Elections are being held for the Police and Crime Commissioner for the Cleveland Police area and the Tees Valley Combined Authority Mayoral.

Both elections will now use the first-past-the-post voting system, where you vote for a single candidate, and the candidate with the most votes wins the election.

How do I register to vote?

It's quick and easy to register online by visiting the dedicated GOV.UK register to vote web page. To be able to vote in these elections you must be registered to vote by Tuesday, April 16.

If you're unable to register online and live in the Stockton-on-Tees Borough, please call the Voter Registration Helpline on 01642 526196 who will assist you with the process.

The helpline for Darlington residents is 01325 406444, Hartlepool residents is 01429 523017, Middlesbrough residents is 01642 729771 and Redcar and Cleveland residents is 01642 774774.

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

The law requires that voters now need to show photographic ID to vote at a polling station.

Accepted forms of ID include a passport, 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 Wednesday, April 24.

If you need further information and live in the Stockton-on-Tees Borough, visit the Voter ID web page, call the Voter Registration Helpline on 01642 526196, or email electoral@stockton.gov.uk.

The helpline for Darlington residents is 01325 406444, Hartlepool residents is 01429 523017, Middlesbrough residents is 01642 729771 and Redcar and Cleveland residents is 01642 774774.

Voting by post

If you would like to apply for a postal vote at these elections, you need to apply before 5pm on Wednesday, April 17.

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

If you have applied to vote by post, you will receive a ballot paper in the post with a form asking for your signature and your date of birth.

You will need to post the forms back in the envelope provided as soon as possible. If you miss the post, you can take the envelope to your local polling station or to the electoral services office, where you will be required to complete a form.

Voting by proxy

If you can't visit the polling station on election day, you can nominate someone to vote on your behalf.

You will need to give a reason for the decision to have a proxy vote and you need to apply before 5pm on Wednesday, April 24.

To apply, visit the GOV.UK apply to vote by proxy web page.

If you live in the Stockton-on-Tees Borough, you can also apply for a proxy vote by calling 01642 526196 or emailing electoral@stockton.gov.uk.

Anyone acting as a proxy voter will be required to show a valid ID at the polling station and must not be acting as a proxy for more than two domestic electors.

The helpline for Darlington residents is 01325 406444, Hartlepool residents is 01429 523017, Middlesbrough residents is 01642 729771 and Redcar and Cleveland residents is 01642 774774.

Where can I find out more?

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