Councils in Tendring have formally declared elections will take place in May.

Polls for Tendring Council and for town and parish councils will take place on Thursday, May 2 and residents are being encouraged to take part.

Those looking to be a councillor for the next four years have until 4pm on April 3 to submit their nomination to be included on the ballot papers on polling day.

Electors will be voting for 48 councillors across 32 wards on Tendring Council this year, not the previous 60 councillors in 35 wards.

Ian Davidson, returning officer, said elections are one of the most fundamental parts of our democracy, and it is important people have their say.

He said: “Elections shape the make-up of the councils and are people’s chance to have their democratic say about what happens where they live.”

To vote in the upcoming elections, you will need to be on the electoral register by April 12.

You can register to vote at gov.uk or call the Tendring Council Electoral Services team on 01255 686575.

The deadline for votes by post is April 15 and the deadline for proxy votes is April 24.

Advice for potential candidates can be found on the Tendring Council website at tendringdc.gov.uk/elections.

Counting of the district council votes will take place overnight on Thursday, May 2, with town and parish council ballots being counted and results declared from midday on Friday, May 3.