Are you ready to vote ahead of next month's general election?

The notice of election for the Stockton North and Stockton West constituencies for the UK general election has been published today (June 3).

The general election will be held on Thursday, July 4.

Following a boundary review, the Borough of Stockton-on-Tees is now split into the Stockton North, Stockton West and Middlesbrough and Thornaby East constituencies.

Middlesbrough Council is responsible for the running of the Middlesbrough and Thornaby East constituency election. For residents in this constituency, there is more information available on the dedicated elections web page.

Make sure you're registered to vote

To have your say and vote in the general election, you need to be registered to vote by midnight on Tuesday, June 18.

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

If you're unable to register online, please call the Voter Registration Helpline on 01642 526196.

Don't forget you need Voter 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, June 26.

If you need further information, visit the Voter ID web page, call the Voter Registration Helpline on 01642 526196, or email electoral@stockton.gov.uk.

Voting by post

There are already around 47,000 residents signed up for a postal vote. If you would like to apply for a postal vote at these elections, you need to apply before 5pm on Wednesday, June 19.

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 envelopes provided as soon as possible. If you miss the post, you can take the envelope to a polling station within the parliamentary constituency 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, June 26.

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

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.

Where can I find out more?

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