RESIDENTS in west Cheshire are being urged to plan ahead to make sure they can have their say in the General Election.

Voters are advised to check early to make sure they are registered, and to consider applying for a postal vote if they might struggle to get to their polling station in person on Thursday, December 12.

Andrew Lewis, returning officer, said: “If you have a postal vote you can vote on a day that suits you in the run up to the election.

“This could be ideal if you know you’re going to be busy in the run-up to Christmas, juggling work, family or caring responsibilities or worried about getting out when it gets colder.”

The deadline to register to vote or apply for a postal or proxy vote is 5pm on November 26. You must be registered to vote before you apply for a postal or proxy vote.

Anyone who applies for a postal vote from will receive their ballot papers around December 4. Voters who will be on holiday between December 4 and election day should consider applying for a proxy vote to allow someone else to vote on their behalf.

Poll cards will be delivered in mid-November and early December and voters are urged to check the details carefully as some polling stations have changed.

For full information about voting in the General Election on December 12, visit www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/GE19.