APPLICATIONS to register to vote in the forthcoming elections need to be received by Cotswold District Council by April 20.

Nigel Adams, acting returning officer for the Cotswolds constituency, has received the official writ in relation to the 2015 parliamentary elections following the dissolution of parliament.

Mr Adams said: “Now that the writ has been received, we can publish the notice of election, which signals the beginning of the formal process and, importantly, the start of the nomination period.

“It’s a privilege to be the acting returning officer, and I hope that as many people as possible take the opportunity to exercise their democratic right to vote on May 7. Parliamentary elections usually only occur once every five years so, if people miss out this time around, they will have a long time to wait before they can again seek to influence who runs the country.’’

Anyone recently moved to the area who is not yet on the electoral register needs to have their application form to the district council by April 20. Forms can be faxed or posted. Registrations can also be made online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.