Voters could be set to head to the polls next month to elect a new councillor for The Bentleys and Frating ward on Tendring District Council (TDC).

The seat has been left vacant following the resignation of Councillor Lynda McWilliams.

The nomination period for prospective candidates is now open. Completed nomination papers must be delivered by hand to the Returning Officer at his offices in Clacton-on-Sea by 4pm on Friday, 10 January.

On the basis that the election is contested, the poll will take place on Thursday, February 6, between 7am and 10pm.

A contested by-election would allow those wishing to vote and who are not already registered until Tuesday, 21 January, to register.

Applications for, amendments to or cancellations of arrangements to vote by post or by proxy must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at Clacton Town Hall by 5pm on Wednesday, 22 January, while the deadline for new applications to vote by proxy is 5pm on Wednesday, 29 January.

A by-election is also set to take place on Thursday, February 6, for a vacant Ramsey ward seat on Ramsey and Parkeston Parish Council.

Ian Davidson, Returning Officer, urged people in both areas to have their say.

“As always, I would encourage people to make their voices heard and cast their ballot in any election,” he said

“People should take the time now to make sure they are registered to vote and, if voting in person at a polling station, that they have a valid photo ID.”

Nomination papers and applications to vote by post or proxy are available at www.tendringdc.gov.uk/elections.

To register to vote visit gov.uk/register-to-vote or contact the Election Registration team by email at elections@tendringdc.gov.uk or call on 01255 686575.

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