If you have recently moved house, remember that you will need to register on the electoral roll again, otherwise you will not be able to vote. The deadline for registering is twelve days before an election, so take care not to leave it too late. Although you can register by post, voters in England can now register online – click here to register on the electoral roll, or change your details (e.g. name and address).

You can apply to vote by post by downloading the application form from the SLDC website and sending it to the Electoral Services team at South Lakeland District Council, South Lakeland House, Lowther Street, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4UD. Postal votes are normally issued about 10 days before an election and completed ballot papers must be returned by election day. You can also apply for a proxy vote for a particular election, but you must give a reason, e.g. illness, travelling or job commitments. If you wish to have a proxy vote for an extended period of time, you not only need to give your reason, but also ask someone, e.g. a doctor, nurse or employer, to sign your application. To register for a proxy vote, click here.

If you have any queries about postal votes, proxy votes, or registering to vote, please visit www.aboutmyvote.co.uk or contact the South Lakeland Electoral Services team by telephoning 0845 050 4434 or emailing elections@southlakeland.gov.uk