Read below for a quick step by step guide on how to make sure your vote counts in the upcoming election:

1. If you want to vote, you have to be on the electoral register.

Your name doesn't just go on the register automatically once you have turned 18, or just because you are paying Council Tax.

2. You need to register by 20 April 2010.

To vote in May's general election, you will need to register by 20 April 2010. Registering is quick and easy and can be done by  calling the Elections Office on 01621 875746 / 875880.  For more information on how to register, please click here.

3. You can vote in person at your local polling station.

The polling stations will be open on Thursday 6 May 2010 from 7am to 10pm. Once you are on the electoral register, Maldon District Council will send you a card with details of where your polling station is.

4. You can apply to vote by post.

This means your ballot paper is sent to your home address or any other ahead of election day. The deadline to request a postal vote is 5pm on 20 April. For more information on how to do this please click here or call the Elections Office on 01621 875746 / 875880.

It is our intention to send out all postal votes around 26 April 2010.

5. Do you need to vote by Proxy?

Alternatively, is there someone you trust to cast your vote for you if you can't or don't wish to vote in person or by post? This is called voting by proxy.  Click here to read more or call the Elections Office on 01621 875746 / 875880.

6. Cancelling or changing your postal or proxy vote.

You can cancel or change the address your postal or proxy vote is delivered to, provided you notify us in writing no later than 5pm on 20 April 2010.  If you don't, you will be sent a postal vote as previously instructed.

7. X marks the spot!

When it comes to filling in your ballot paper, simply put an X next to the name of the candidate you want to represent you as your Member of Parliament.