WEST Oxfordshire residents are being urged to register to vote in May's local elections.

On Thursday May 2, people in 16 of the district's 27 wards will go to the polls to have their say on which councillors represent them.

District councillors make decisions on services including housing, planning, leisure, licensing, public safety, and waste and recycling collections.

Keith Butler, electoral registration officer for West Oxfordshire, said: “These elections are an opportunity to make your voice heard and have a say on who represents you on issues that directly affect day-to-day life here in West Oxfordshire.

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"If you aren’t already registered and have not applied by April 12, you won’t be able to vote.

“If you live in a ward with an election, and are already registered to vote, you should receive a poll card by 5 April. Please let us know if this is not the case.”

Phillippa Saray, Electoral Commission regional manager for the east and southeast of England, said: “If you have recently turned 18 or moved home, it is particularly important that you act to ensure that you are registered to vote.

"It takes just five minutes online and means that you can take part in this important election.”

Residents are reminded they need to register at their current address.

The deadline to apply is midnight on Friday, April 12.

Visit .gov.uk/register-to-vote.