• European election, envelopes from the three main parties. This image is courtesy of Photographer: Ian Britton from www.FreeFoto.com

Instead apply in advance for a postal vote, so that you can vote at your own convenience in the comfort of your home.

More and more people are now taking advantage of postal voting but you do need to apply now so that the ballot paper can be sent out and completed in advance.

Chief Executive and Electoral Registration Officer Dave Yates said:  "Many people think that to qualify for a postal vote they have to give a reason why they can't visit the polling station, but that simply isn't the case.

"Nowadays we all live such busy lives and visiting a polling station on a specific day can come low on people's list of priorities.  By using the postal voting system, people can exercise their right to have a say but at their own convenience.

"I am sure postal votes and some of the other innovative projects such as the initiative to encourage youngsters to register to vote by text message, are the way forward for the future."

The European Parliamentary elections are being held on Thursday 10 June but people using the postal vote system will need to complete their ballot forms in advance of that day. 

All applications for postal votes must be received at the council offices in Lyndhurst no later than 5pm on Wednesday 2 June to meet the statutory deadline.

To obtain an application form: - telephone the council's offices (023 8028 5445); - call at any of the council's main or local information  offices; - download a form from the council's website: www.nfdc.gov.uk/votebypost

Ballot papers will be issued from Friday 28 May.  All postage is prepaid so there is no cost to the voter. The New Forest District Council's area forms part of the South East Region of the European Parliament. 

Voters in the South East Region will elect 10 members of the European Parliament to represent them in Brussels for the next five years.

Those who elect to vote by post will need someone to sign a declaration, confirming their identity, when they return their ballot papers, but this can be anyone who knows you, including people from your own household. 

The declaration form will be sent out with the ballot paper so the process is quick and easy.  If you would like any further information please contact the electoral services helpline on (023) 8028 5445.