Where will you be on Thursday 5 May?

The referendum is on the voting system used for elections to the UK Parliament. The question being put to voters on 5 May is: "At present, the UK uses the 'first past the post' system to elect MPs to the House of Commons. Should the 'alternative vote' system be used instead?"

With several bank holidays coming up, residents who are going to be away on 5 May can also apply to vote by post or by proxy.

So now is the time to make sure you are registered to vote before the deadline on Thursday April 14 and to apply for a postal or proxy vote.

The deadline for completed applications to vote by post is 5pm on Thursday April 14 and to appoint a proxy, the deadline for completed applications is 5pm on Thursday April 21.

You can call Electoral Services on 01709 823590 or print off the forms from

Barbara Lines, Electoral Commission regional manager, said: "People don't always realise that they can have their say in different ways, including by post of by asking someone you trust (a 'proxy') to cast your vote for you.

"So, if you are going to be away on Thursday 5 May, take a few minutes now to make sure your voice will still be heard."

www.aboutmyvote.co.uk