How do I register to vote in the 2017 local elections and when is the deadline?
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Thousands of council seats plus mayors and a Westminster seat are up for grabs in local elections on 4 May 2017.
It could be a crucial test for Labour as it seeks to gain ground from Hard Brexit Theresa May under Jeremy Corbyn 's leadership.
So you must make sure you have the chance to make your voice heard.
The deadline to register to vote is on Thursday 13 April, and slightly later in Scotland.
Here is everything you need to know.
When are the 2017 local elections?
The polling stations open at 7am on Thursday May 4 and close at 10pm.
To vote you must be 18 or over on polling day in England and Wales and 16 or over in Scotland.
The deadline for a postal vote is 5pm on April 18.
What is up for grabs?
Local elections are taking place in England, Scotland and Wales on May 4 with 4,851 council seats up for grabs.
Every Welsh and Scottish council is holding elections, plus the English "county councils" (not smaller English councils).
The contests for the six new metro mayors in England are also being held on that day.
So is the Manchester Gorton by-election to find a new MP.
(Photo: PA)
How do I register to vote?
Visit gov.uk/register-to-vote and fill in 11 questions.
They include your name, address, National Insurance number and whether you want a postal vote.
There's not much else you need to fill in.
How long does it take?
About 5 minutes if you're not too speedy on a computer. Less if you have a quick mouse hand.
When is the deadline?
You must register by midnight on Thursday 13 April in England and Wales.
If you live in Scotland the deadline is midnight on Monday 17 April.
(Photo: PA)
If you want a postal vote (e.g. if you're on holiday) you must apply by 5pm on Tuesday 18 April.
If you want a proxy vote (someone to vote for you), you must apply by 5pm six working days before the poll.
For an emergency proxy vote, for example if you end up in hospital, it's usually 5pm on the day of the election.
How do I find out if I'm on the register?
To be sure you have to check with your local electoral registration office. Pop your postcode into AboutMyVote.co.uk to find out where that is.
But unless you've moved house, if you were registered for the EU referendum you should still be registered now.
If you weren't registered for the EU referendum you almost certainly won't be registered now.
How does postal voting work?
If you can't get to your polling station on May 4, you can apply for a postal vote.
They'll send a ballot paper out to any address you choose - even overseas.
You just need to fill it in, choose which way you want to vote and send it back so it arrives before 10pm on the day of the election.
All the instructions are on the ballot paper.
(Photo: PA)
How do I register to vote by post?
You need to download the form here , print it, fill it in, sign it and post it back to your local electoral registration office.
Where is my local electoral registration office?
Just put your postcode into the search at AboutMyVote.co.uk and it'll tell you who to get in touch with.
What about proxy voting?
This means if you're unable to go to the polling station for medical emergencies, occupation, service, employment or disability - then you can get someone to do it for you.
You can apply for an emergency proxy vote up to 5pm on polling day.
How do I vote by proxy?
You must give a reason why you need to vote by proxy and may need a qualified person to sign your application.
You may be able to deliver the form by hand or send a scan of the completed and signed form via email to your local authority.
The person you nominate must then vote in person for you.
(Photo: PA)
Who can vote for me?
Any person you appoint if they are 18 or over and are registered individually.
A person cannot be a proxy for more than two people at one election, unless they are a close relative.
Close relatives are the spouse, civil partner, parent, grandparent, brother, sister, child or grandchild of the applicant.
What about voting in person, how does that work?
When you arrive at the polling station, there will be people sitting at a desk with a copy of the electoral register.
If you have it with you, you can give them your polling card. Otherwise you can just give them your name and address and they'll check it against the list.
Can I vote without my polling card?
Yes. You don't need to take your polling card with you to vote - it might speed the process up a little, but you can vote without it.
Where do I go to vote?
The location of your polling station will be written on your polling card.
If you've lost it, don't worry. You can find out where you have to go by contacting your local election office.
AboutMyVote.co.uk also often carries a postcode search service.
If you have any questions about voting by proxy or post, go to www.aboutmyvote.co.uk or contact your electoral registration office.