There could be just weeks to go until the Test Valley goes to the polls but at the moment over 1,000 people won't be able to cast their vote.

The General Election is widely expected to be held on 6^th May and Test Valley Borough Council has said over 700 households in the area aren't currently registered.

That number is one of the lowest in Hampshire but the council hopes to reduce it before the big day.

Alan Winchcombe is the electoral services manager at Test Valley: "If you're not on the register of electors you won't be able to vote. You need to contact us before 20th April - you must be registered before then if the election is to be on 6th May.

"It's a very simple form: we will send it out to you, you can come into the office or you can download it from our website. Get them back to us by 20th April and you will go on the register in time."

To listen to the full interview with Alan just click play.

Test Valley Borough Council organises and manage all elections within the Test Valley Borough area.

Top election tips

Registering:

• If your name does not appear on the Register of Electors when an election is taking place you will NOT be able to vote
• If your name appears on the Council Tax register it does not mean that your name will appear on the Register of Electors. The two registers contain different information
• If you're not sure whether or not you're on the register it is available at the Council Offices at Beech Hurst, Andover and Duttons Road, Romsey. Alternatively you may contact the Electoral Services team on the contact details below
• You will still be able to register up until 11 working days before polling day. You should submit a voter registration form, which you can download from the Test Valley website; alternatively you can collect a form from the Council Offices. If you have not heard from Test Valley within five days of submitting your form you should contact this office immediately, otherwise you may lose your right to vote

Postal Vote:

• If you are unable to attend or do not wish to vote at your polling station you can still have your say in an election by applying for a postal vote. Anyone can vote by post and you do not need to give a reason.  You will be required to register to vote by post by at least 11 days before polling day. Contact Test Valley for more information

Voting by Proxy:

• If you are planning a holiday or live overseas it is recommend that you apply for a Proxy vote - where you appoint someone to vote on your behalf, either at a polling station or by post

Contact Test Valley's Electoral Services Team

Post
Electoral Services
Beech Hurst
Weyhill Road
Andover
SP10 3AJ

Email
elecreg@testvalley.gov.uk

Telephone
01264 368020/8021/8009/8004

Fax
01264 368005

Click here to visit the Electoral Services section of the Test Valley Borough Council website.