THE deadline for registering to vote in Wigan borough's local elections is on Tuesday.

Council tax payers are not automatically registered to vote for the elections which take place on Thursday, May 3 and anyone who has recently moved address should check if their details are correct.

Polling stations will be open at 7am and close at 10pm on the day with results announced in the early hours of the Friday.

If residents are unable to visit a polling station on May 3, postal votes can be made as long as people complete applications which need to be received by the Elections office by 5pm on Wednesday, April 18.

People can also get someone to vote on their behalf by appointing a proxy. Proxy applications need to be received by the Elections office before 5pm on Wednesday, April 25.

Returning officer for Wigan Council, Donna Hall, said: “It is so important for everyone to vote in the elections.

"There can be a perception that voting does not matter but this really is not the case.

"Everything the council does is governed by our councillors.

“We have committed to listening closely to our residents and this is the perfect opportunity for residents to have their say as it really will make a difference to Wigan borough.”

Anyone aged 16 or 17 should be included on the register so they will be eligible to vote once they turn 18.

To register to vote in the local elections visit gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Details such as names and address can be updated on the website too.

For more information or guidance e-mail elections@wigan.gov.uk or phone 01942 827168.