To be able to vote in European Parliament elections this year, if they take place, those eligible must be registered by Tuesday, May 7.

The polls will take place on Thursday, May 23 if the UK is still in the European Union on this date.

Residents who are registered to vote in Swindon can also apply for a postal vote for the election by Wednesday, 8 May at 5pm, or are able to apply for a proxy vote by Wednesday, 15 May at 5pm.

European Union citizens living in the borough, who have an entry on the Swindon electoral register, are entitled to vote here instead of their home country if they wish.

EU citizens will receive a letter this week instructing them on how to apply to cast their vote in the UK. If any intend to vote in the European Parliamentary elections in their home country rather than the UK, they should contact that country’s electoral authorities who will advise accordingly. Some EU member states have closed their registration lists so please contact the relevant embassy for advice on the voting options available.

Matt Box, Electoral Services manager, said “I would encourage EU electors who receive the letter to pay particular attention to the 7 May deadline for the return of the form.”

For more information on the European Parliamentary elections visit the Electoral Commission website at yourvotematters.co.uk