VOTERS in Bolton are being warned time is running out to register to vote in the local elections.

This year’s election will be held on May 3 but the deadline to register to vote, or to apply for a postal vote, is on April 18.

And would-be voters are being warned that if they have not registered by 5pm on that date they will not be able to exercise their democratic right to vote.

Postal vote applications must be posted to the Elections Office in the Town Hall or in the applications box at the One Stop Shop Reception in the Town Hall by 5pm on April 18.

Candidates will be fighting for 22 Bolton Council seats, as three seats will be up for elec- tion in Bradshaw Ward. Labour said they would be looking to “every part of the family” to win votes, while the Lib Dems said they were the Party of “common sense”.

The Conservatives, who are defending nine out of the 22 seats, insisted they had a “strong campaign” and The Green Party promised to cam- paign for 20 mph speed limits in built-up areas. Postal ballot packs will be handed to Royal Mail on Friday, April 20, and issued by first class post.

Postal voters have up until 10pm on polling day to return them to the council, either by post or delivering them to the ballot box on the One Stop Shop Reception, Bolton Town hall or a polling station on the day of the election.

If anyone has not received their postal vote papers by April 25, they should contact the council elections office on 01204 333843, 331248 or 338784.

Application for a postal vote must be made in writing and a form for applying can be found on the council's website bolton.gov.uk

Police are still investigating an election fraud, after a fictitious candidate was nominated.