PEOPLE are being reminded they can apply to vote by post in elections set to take place next year.

Voters in Dorset will head to the polls to elect councillors for Dorset Council, as well as town and parish councils, on May 2, 2024.

The Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner election will also take place on the same day.

Residents in Dorset who are not registered to vote are encouraged to do so now ahead of the local elections – including anyone who has moved home or changed their names since the last annual canvass.

Registering is the first step in the voting process. The second is choosing which method to use to vote, either in person, by post, or by appointing someone trusted to vote on your behalf, which is known as a proxy vote.

You can now apply to vote by post or by proxy online. Alternatively, you can download an application form from the Electoral Commission website.

If you want to vote by post or proxy, you will need to apply by 5pm on Wednesday, April 17.

Once you have registered for a postal vote, a pack will be posted to your address a few weeks prior to the election.

If you plan to vote at a polling station, you will need a photo ID. It you don’t have one, you can apply for free voter ID online via the Electoral Commission website.

Jonathan Mair, director of legal and democratic at Dorset Council, said: “Councillors play a key role in Dorset and are the voice of the community, representing local people.

“They help shape future services by collectively carrying out policy making and contributing to the formation and scrutiny of the council’s policies, budget and strategies. By representing the views of local people, councillors ensure that local interests are heard.”