With the general election being called for 4 July, I’m urging residents to check that they are registered to vote.

The deadline for this election is Tuesday, 18 June.

You can register online. You’ll need your national insurance number. It should only take about five minutes.

This is also the first general election in which voters will have to take photo-ID.

Accepted forms of ID include:

• a passport issued in the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an European Economic Area (EEA) state, or a Commonwealth country
• a driving licence issued in the UK, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state
• some concessionary travel pass, such as an Older Person’s Bus Pass or an Oyster 60+ card
• people will be able to use expired photo ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

If you’re not going to be able to vote in person such as being on holiday or away for work, then you don’t have to miss out – just get a postal vote for this election.

If you don’t want to use the online links you can visit the council’s Electoral Services at County Hall or ring them on 01983 823380.