West Dunbartonshire Council is urging residents to ensure they are registered to vote ahead of next month’s European elections.

On May 23, residents will be able to have their say on which six candidates they want to represent them in the European Parliament.

But anyone not registered by May 7 will lose the right to vote.

Despite the UK supposedly leaving the EU due to Brexit, the elections, which are estimated to cost the country over £100 million, are still set to go ahead.

The registration process is simple and takes just a few minutes to complete.

Residents are also reminded that if they intend to use a postal or proxy vote, they must apply to the area’s electoral registration officer by May 8.

David Thomson, electoral registration officer for Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute, said: “Now is the time to make sure you can have your say in the European elections.

“Make sure you are registered to vote, especially if you have moved house this year. It just takes a few minutes but you need to act now before the deadline of midnight on 7 May.

“We don’t want anyone to miss their chance to have a say.

“Likewise, if you want to use a postal or proxy vote, it is essential that your application is received by 5pm on May 8.”

To register to vote, residents can print off the relevant form from aboutmyvote.co.uk, or call 0800 980 0471.

An application for postal or proxy voting can be found at westdunbarton.gov.uk/council/voting-and-elections/how-to-register.

Completed postal or proxy votes for West Dunbartonshire should be sent to: Electoral Registration Officer, Dunbartonshire and Argyll & Bute VJB,235 Dumbarton Road, Clydebank G81 4XJ.