Earlsfield by-election announced

Following the death of Earlsfield councillor Adrian Knowles, Wandsworth Council has announced that a by-election will be held on 7 May, at the same time as the General Election. This also means that registered voters from the EU can vote on 7 May (but only for the by-election).

Don't forget that you need to be registered to vote, and that the system to do this has changed. The council says:

Anyone eligible who wishes to vote in the by-election or the general election must make sure their name is on the electoral register before it is too late.

British citizens, along with citizens of qualifying Commonwealth countries, the Republic of Ireland and British Overseas Territories are all eligible to vote in the Parliamentary election. Other European Union citizens should still register, as they can vote the Earlsfield by-election.

The way people register to vote has changed. Anyone who is not registered should visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote as soon as possible. Once your application has been received, Electoral Services may need to contact you to request further information, so make sure you apply as soon as possible.

To cast their ballot, people who are eligible must ensure they apply to be registered to vote by midnight on April 20.

There is a 5pm deadline the following day, April 21 for people wanting to request a postal vote. This date also applies to anyone who wants to cancel an existing postal vote or proxy facility, and requires a signed letter confirming this stating, that they no longer wish to vote in this way

To double check that they are already included or to apply for a postal vote residents should call (020) 8871 6023 or email electoral@wandsworth.gov.uk.

Polling cards for both elections will be hand delivered to all eligible voters by Monday April 6. These will provide information and a map showing which local polling station they should use. Poll cards will also remind residents who have not yet registered that they need to do so.

For more information about the new registration system and details of who is eligible to vote, visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/vote.