Residents in Murton are being reminded to register to vote in an upcoming by-election.
Polling cards will be delivered to residents from Monday 9 February ahead of the Durham County Council by-election being held on Thursday 5 March.
Anyone listed on the electoral register and who is eligible to vote in the election will receive a polling card with details of their voting preference. Residents then just need to vote at a polling station or by post or proxy vote.
Residents not registered, or who have recently moved house are encouraged to register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote by midnight on Tuesday 17 February.
Meanwhile, residents who are passionate about Murton and who wish to have a say in its future are invited to stand as a candidate at the upcoming by-election.
Anyone interested can request a nomination pack from the council by contacting electoral services on 03000 261 212 or by emailing .
Prospective candidates can submit their nomination papers from Friday 30 January, between the hours of 10am and 4pm to the Electoral Services Office, The Annexe, County Hall, Durham, DH1 5UL.
Nomination papers must be submitted by hand and the deadline for doing so is 4pm on Friday 6 February.
Further information for prospective candidates and agents can be found at www.electoralcommission.org.uk and www.durham.gov.uk/BecomeACouncillor.
Anyone who wishes to vote must be registered to vote in the Murton electoral division and must also be able to provide an acceptable form of photo ID such as a passport, driving licence or concessionary travel pass, including an older person’s bus pass. A full list of acceptable forms of photo ID can be found on the polling card.
Voters who do not have an accepted form of photo ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate at www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate. All applications for a certificate for this election, must be received by 5pm on Wednesday 25 February. If voters need any further help, please contact electoral services on 03000 261212 or email .
Anyone who is listed on the electoral register can request a postal or proxy vote. The new government online portal is the simplest way to complete a postal or proxy vote application. Apply online at www.gov.uk/vote-uk-election.
