More than 31,000 packs have been sent out to residents registered to vote by post ahead of the General Election and local elections on Thursday May 7.

That figure includes ballot papers for postal voters in the parliamentary constituencies of St Albans and Hitchin and Harpenden as the district council, which has issued the ballot papers, is administering these elections.

Elections for the district council and some parish councils are also being held on May 7, so postal voters will receive two packs if an election for the latter is also taking place in their area.

Electoral registration officer Mike Lovelady said: “Postal voters should follow the instructions to cast their votes in the General Election, district and parish council elections being held on the same day.

“They need to remember to include their date of birth and signature on the postal voting statement. This statement is kept separately from the ballot paper so their vote is always kept secret.”

Postal ballot papers must arrive at the council offices by 10pm on May 7 at the latest.

Electors unable to vote at their polling station on election day can register to vote by proxy.