PEOPLE in Stockton have been reminded that time is running out to register to vote for the General Election and council elections.

Stockton Borough Council is targeting specific groups that are most likely to miss out on being able to vote because they are not already registered including recent home movers, people in rented accommodation, minority groups and old and vulnerable people.

It is believed that the biggest group of unregistered voters is young people aged 18 to 24 years so the council is working with local colleges and universities to encourage their students to get registered online using gov.uk/registertovote

Sixth form students at Teesside High School will take part in an interactive workshop called “Young people should be seen and heard – you decide” on Tuesday, March 17 to help them to understand the importance of being registered, voting and receive guidance on how to decide who to vote for.

Cllr David Harrington, Stockton Council’s cabinet member for corporate management and finance, said: “My message to anyone not registered to vote, is to do it now. It’s a quick and easy process, which can now be done online or by phone instead of filling in forms."

Registering online gov.uk/registertovote or by phone on 01642 526196 only takes about three minutes. People will need their date of birth and National Insurance number to hand. For more information, visit gov.uk/yourvotematters or email electoral@stockton.gov.uk. The elections take place on Thursday, May 7.