Pendle Council is reminding residents to check they are on the electoral register ahead of the elections in May.

On Thursday 7 May there will be elections to the UK Parliament, Pendle Borough Council and Town & Parish Councils across Pendle.

This gives Pendle residents the opportunity to elect the borough’s Member of Parliament for the next five years.

There are elections in 17 Borough Council wards due to 16 councillors being up for re-election this year plus one vacancy. There are no borough elections in Marsden, Walverden and Whitefield wards.

There will also be a number of town and parish council elections.

Pendle residents have until Monday 20 April to get on the Register of Electors to be eligible to vote in these elections.

If your name is not included in the electoral register, you simply won’t be able to vote.

You can check the electoral register in the Council’s contact centre, Contact Pendle, in Number One Market Street, Nelson as well as in Barnoldswick Council Shop.

You can also view it at Nelson, Colne and Barnoldswick libraries.

Alternatively, call the elections office on (01282) 661662 and staff in our Elections Team will check it for you.

Gillian Turpin, Pendle Council’s Elections Manager, said: “People aren’t always aware of the need to re-register each year to secure their right to vote.

“With a general election taking place this year, we expect more people will want to make sure they are on the electoral register.

“Last month we wrote to every Pendle household with details of who is currently registered to vote at each address.

“If anyone’s unsure if they got the letter or have recently moved house, then it’s wise to take a few minutes to check the register now.

“Doing so will make sure nothing stops you from having your say on election day in May.”

Registering to vote is easy and can now be done online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Alternatively, residents can call Pendle Council’s elections team on (01282) 661919 or 661662 for help.