SIR - As readers are no doubt aware, in many areas of the country the May 1 local council elections are rapidly approaching.

With this in mind, can I take the opportunity to remind your readers that Wednesday, April 16 is the deadline to get their names on the electoral register, if they have not already done so?

If you are not on the register, you won't be able to vote. Every election, people arrive at polling stations not realising this. Many think, wrongly, that they will automatically be registered if they pay council tax.

Also, if you've moved house this year and have not re-registered, you need to do so by April 16.

This is also the deadline to apply for a postal vote or proxy vote if you can't get to the polling station on Thursday, May 1.

Anyone aged 18 and over can register to vote if they are a British, Irish, qualifying Commonwealth or European Union citizen.

To register, contact your local electoral registration office directly, or visit aboutmyvote.co.uk for a registration form. Don't forget, next Wednesday is your last chance!

Karen Quaintmere, Head of English Regions at the Electoral Commission, Great Peter Street, London