The local council elections are almost upon us and I am urging all residents to register to vote.

Throughout history people have fought and died for the right to take part in the democratic process, and this year marks 100 years since some women won the right to vote.

A monumental year that reminds us not to take our freedoms for granted.

In 2014 the way we register to vote changed to a new system called Individual Electoral Registration (IER) which means that people are no longer registered by household.

As an individual you will need to take steps to register to vote.

Registering to vote is easy. You can do it online by visiting www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or you can request a paper copy from Havering Council on 01708 432444.

Tuesday, April 17 is the deadline to register to vote in the local elections.

Elections are a chance for residents to actively make change in the community, and they are an opportunity to make your voice heard in the current political system.

This was highlighted in 2016’s vote to leave the EU where the nation saw record levels of people turning out to vote.

Local elections are just as important but historically have low participation.

The local authority is responsible for many aspects of our day to day lives; housing, street cleaning, refuse collection, parking, council tax, road maintenance and much more.

That is why I am encouraging all residents of Havering to register to vote and get involved with the democratic process.