Voter registration for Ipswich's May elections closes tonight

Why it matters: On 7 May, Ipswich residents will be asked to vote in not one but two local elections on the same day — all 12 of the town's Suffolk County Council divisions and 16 of Ipswich Borough Council's wards. Registering by tonight's deadline is required to vote in both elections.

The details: Those who have previously registered only need to do so again if their name, address or nationality has changed. You can register online at gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Why your vote matters: Local councillors are elected officials who make decisions that directly affect everyday life. They set council policy, determine how taxpayer money is spent, and oversee the delivery of services such as social care, housing, planning and waste collection.

They also act as a bridge between residents and the council, from planning applications and housing issues to street maintenance, as well as attending meetings to scrutinise decisions made by the council cabinet. On 7 May, voters in Ipswich will be choosing who fills those roles at both the borough and county levels.

What's next: Even if you are already registered, there are several more important deadlines in the coming weeks:

• Tuesday, 21 April — Deadline to apply for a postal vote (by 17:00) at gov.uk/apply-postal-vote.
• Tuesday, 28 April — Deadline to apply for a proxy vote (by 17:00).
• Thursday, 7 May — Polling day. Stations open at 07:00 and close at 22:00.
• Friday, 8 May — Results expected.

The bottom line: Tonight's deadline is the first of several key dates before polling day on 7 May. If you are not yet registered, you have until 23:59 to do so at gov.uk/register-to-vote.

For more information on registering to vote or applying to vote by post or proxy, visit the Electoral Commission's website.

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