WITH the EU referendum coming up at the end of June, Cotswold District Council is urging residents to ensure that they’re registered to vote by the deadline next week.

The referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Union will take place on Thursday, June 23, with people being asked whether the United Kingdom should remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union.

Polling cards have already been sent to almost 68,000 of the district’s registered voters, along with 12,000 postal voting packs, but the authority is keen to alert others who could miss out unless they register soon.

The deadline to register to vote is next Tuesday, June 7, while the deadline to apply for a proxy vote - having someone vote on your behalf - is a week later, at 5pm on Wednesday, June 15.

Sarah Dalby, Cotswold District Council’s elections manager, said: "If you are already registered to vote you do not need to register again for the referendum - although if you have just moved into the district or moved house since the May elections you should update your details by June 7.”

Anyone who has not registered yet can do so online at gov.uk/register-to-vote or by calling Cotswold District Council elections office on 01285 623002 - who can also check for anyone unsure if they are registered.

Forms can be downloaded from aboutmyvote.co.uk or can be obtained by calling the elections office.