Registration's what you need for local and general elections

Local elections have been called for Thursday May 6, with many commentators speculating that UK general elections may be held on the same day. We'll be posting a guide to local candidates over the coming weeks, but first it's important to remember that unless you're registered to vote, you won't be able to take part on polling day.

Although councils update their registers in a postal campaign each

autumn, it is possible that some residents may not be on the register

if they have recently moved home, just turned 18, or have simply missed

registration previously.

Councils now operate "rolling registrations" throughout the year to ensure all residents are included. Details of the relevant rolling registration dates are given below. It is also important to note that being on the council tax register does not

automatically mean that you are on the voters’ register - the two are separate.

Not sure where you should register to vote, or if you are already on the register? Check out this site from the Electoral Commission for a guide to these general issues.

If your local council is ISLINGTON, you can download a voter registration form here. You will need to complete and sign the form and return it to Electoral Services Office, Town Hall, Upper Street, London, N1 2UD. For the Local Council

Elections on 6 May 2010, applications must reach your council by

Tuesday 20 April 2010.

For further information or hard copes of forms for Islington residents, contact contact Electoral Services on 020 7527 3110.

If your local council is HARINGEY, the voter registration form is available here. The form should be returned toThe Electoral Registration Office,P.O. Box 264,Civic Centre,High Road,London N22 8LE.  Applications received by Monday 12 April 2010 will be updated by Tuesday 4 May 2010.

Haringey residents can contact the Electoral Registration team on 0845 055 0922 or 020 8489 2951 or on email elections@haringey.gov.uk for further information.

If your council is HACKNEY, your voter registration form can be downloaded here and returned to Electoral Registration and Elections Office, Room 60, Hackney Town Hall, Mare Street E8 1EA. You will also need to register by 12 April to by included on the register by 4 May.

For more information about Hackney electoral services, telephone 020 8356 3233 or use this online enquiry form.

Local elections are a chance to make your views heard on all local issues, from roads and recycling in your area, to education and climate change. We'll be summarising some of the main party views and profiling councillors over the next few weeks, but in the meantime make sure your voice is heard by registering to vote!