Two important votes are approaching and Fenland District Council is taking steps to encourage as many people as possible to take part.

The election for a new Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Cambridgeshire takes place on May 5.

That will be followed on June 23 by a vote on whether the UK should remain in the European Union or leave it.

Poll cards for the PCC election on May 5 will be sent out from March 30, depending on when electors have registered.

Poll cards for the EU referendum in June will be sent out from around May 18.

The deadline to register to vote in the PCC election is April 18, for the June election it is June 7.

However, the council is advising anyone who has not already registered or provided documentary evidence to support their application, to do so as soon as possible.

EU nationals will be eligible to vote in the PCC election on May 5 but not in the EU referendum on June 23.

Electors who have asked for a postal vote in all elections or for Parliamentary elections only will receive one for both the PCC and EU referendum polls.

The deadline to register for a postal vote is 11 working days before each election and for a proxy vote it is six days before.

To vote by post or proxy an elector must first be registered. If you no longer wish to vote by post, you must cancel you postal vote in writing at least 11 working days before the election takes place.

To apply for a postal or proxy vote for the forthcoming polls electors should call the council’s electoral services team on 01354 654321 or email elections@fenland.gov.uk.

Alternatively download the forms from www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/how-do-i-vote.