PEOPLE in the Taunton and Minehead areas will be voting in five elections in six weeks' time.

Somerset West and Taunton Council has published notices for the polls on Thursday, May 6.

By elections are taking place for:

  • Somerset West and Taunton Council - Trull, Pitminster and Corfe ward;
  • Minehead Town Council - Alcombe South Ward, Central ward and Periton and Woodcombe ward by-elections;
  • Watchet Town Council by-election.

The election for the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner takes place on the same day.

Nominations for the by elections can be accepted by appointment only up to 4pm on Thursday, April 8.

Forms can be obtained by contacting electoral services on 01823 358692 or emailing elections@somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk.

Residents will soon receive their polling cards and are advised to check it to make sure they know which polling station they need to attend.

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday, May 6.

If you don’t receive a polling card, you may not be registered to vote. You need to register to vote by midnight on Monday, April 19 to make sure that you have your say at the ballot box. The easiest way to register is by visiting www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Voters have three options for casting their ballot – in person at the polling station, by post or by proxy (i.e. they can appoint someone they trust to vote on their behalf).

Somerset West and Taunton Council will be despatching postal votes from Monday, April 19.

The last day to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Tuesday, April 20.

The last day to apply for a proxy vote is 5pm on Tuesday, April 27.

If you have any queries regarding your right to vote, contact a member of the Elections Team at elections@somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk