Voters are being reminded of the key dates that may affect them ahead of the General Election taking place on Thursday, 4 July.

Notices of the Election for both the Clacton constituency and the Harwich and North Essex constituency were published today (Tuesday, 4 June) by Acting Returning Officer Ian Davidson.

Potential candidates have until 4pm on Friday, 7 June, to submit their nomination papers.

Residents have until 18 June to register to vote in the upcoming elections if they are not already registered. Poll Cards for those already registered should be arriving through Royal Mail by the coming weekend - so look out for them.

The deadline for postal vote applications is at 5pm on 19 June. Voters have until 5pm on 26 June to apply for a proxy vote.

Mr Davidson encouraged people to register to vote – and for people who will be voting in polling stations to check that they have an accepted form of photo ID.

“You can only vote if you are registered, so if you want to have your say in the upcoming election please make sure you can by registering by 18 June,” he said.

“You can register to vote online or you can contact our team who will be happy to help you.

“Following a change in the law last year, there is now a requirement for people to show ID before they vote at a polling station.

“So, if you are planning to vote in person then please also make sure you have a valid form of photo ID or the free alternative Voter Authority Certificate.

“We want to make sure that everyone is still able to cast their vote next month.”

The forms of photo ID that are accepted include a UK passport or driving licence, a Blue Badge, older or disabled person’s bus pass, PASS card or Defence Identity Card – but you can see the full list at tendringdc.gov.uk/services/elections-and-voting.

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.