It might appear to some that local democracy has become a bit like waiting for a bus: nothing for ages then three come along at once - parish elections, the neighbourhood plan referendum and general election, writes DAVID RENARD.

Some residents may have three votes and others only one, as the body that administers elections this is an extra busy time for the council.

The first elections are next Thursday - May 4 - when we will have elections for the Swindon Central North, Swindon Central South, West, St Andrews, and Nythe, Eldene and Liden parishes.

There are a few wards where the councillors were elected unopposed, but its good see such a variety among the 136 candidates contesting the 65 remaining seats.

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm and you do not need a polling card to vote. Please read the instructions carefully on the ballot paper as you may have more than one vote to use.

If you live in the Highworth Town Council area, you will have a chance to vote on the adoption of the Neighbourhood Plan. This is a separate ballot on May 25. You have until May 9 to apply to be on the electoral register and until May 10 to apply for a postal vote if you will be away on polling day.

Neighbourhood Plans are vital as they are evidence that Planning Inspectors take into account at appeals and so can help determine what developments occur along with which ones are blocked.

Of course, in June we will have another election, this time for two members of Parliament.

I would encourage anyone who is not already on the electoral register to act quickly if you want a say in who will represent Swindon in Westminster. You can register online here: www.swindon.gov.uk/registertovote

You will need your date of birth and National Insurance number handy.

You can apply in person by coming to the Civic Offices, Euclid Street SN1 2JH during office hours or you can call our Customer Services team on 01793 445500.

Even once you are on the register, you may be away for polling day. You can download a form to apply to vote by post here: www.swindon.gov.uk/waystovote or you can e-mail elecreg@swindon.gov.uk or call the Electoral Services team on 01793 464601 and ask for a form to be posted to you.

Key deadlines are:

To register to vote for the Parliamentary election: May 22

To apply for a postal vote, 5pm, May 23 

To apply for a proxy vote, 5pm on May 31.

Voting is an important civic duty and it is a right still denied to many across the world. I encourage everyone to vote where appropriate at these forthcoming polls.