A FINAL reminder is being issued to people who want to vote in this month’s elections that they must ensure they are registered by today, May 6.

Eleven political parties will contest the elections on May 22 to select the North West of England’s eight Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).

At the same time, electors in Trafford will be choosing 22 councillors. Voters go to the polls on May 22 for both elections.

Trafford Council results will be counted on May 23 and the North West European Parliamentary Elections count will take place on May 25, as polls close across Europe. People will not be able to vote in either election unless they have ensured they are on the electoral register by today.

Anyone who is on the electoral register can choose to register to vote by post.

Applications for a postal vote must be received by 5pm tomorrow, May 7. Anyone who is not registered can visit www.trafford.gov.uk/about-your-council/elections/register-to-vote.aspx to download a registration form.

Alternatively, or if they need to update their details (for example if they have changed address or changed surname through marriage since registering) or check whether they are on the register, they should email elections.office@trafford.gov.uk or call 0161 912 4259. Registration is a quick and easy process.

For more information about the European Elections, including a full list of candidates, visit www.northwestvotes.gov.uk.

Further information about the Trafford Council election, again including a full list of candidates, can be found at http://www.trafford.gov.uk/about-your-council/elections/register-to-vote.aspx.

Trafford's returning officer Theresa Grant said: "It is important that anyone who still needs to register to vote in these elections does so today. This really is their last chance to have their say on both local and European democracy."

Sir Howard Bernstein, regional returning officer for the European Parliamentary Elections in the North West, said: "These elections give people the chance to elect the politicians who will represent them locally and in Europe.

"It is essential to make sure that nobody loses out on their right to vote because they are not registered. But time is running out fast.”