Residents in Wiltshire and Swindon have less than a week left to register to vote in the upcoming general election.

As parties are releasing their manifestos, the deadline for voter registration is rapidly approaching.

To be allowed to vote on July 4, voters must be registered by midnight on Tuesday, June 18.

Residents can apply online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

People only need to register once, unless they have changed their name, address or nationality.

The closing date for postal vote applications is also around the corner, at 5.00pm on Wednesday, June 19.

There are five parliamentary constituencies in Wiltshire: Chippenham, East Wiltshire, Melksham and Devizes, Salisbury and South West Wiltshire.

The final list of candidates standing in each constituency has been confirmed.

With the redrawn political boundaries, there are some areas of the county which come under the new South Cotswolds constituency.

Residents eligible to vote in this location will be sent poll cards and postal votes from Cotswold District Council. 

All voters are required to have photo ID with them to vote at a polling station.

Accepted forms of photo ID include passports, photographic driving licences, biometric immigration documents, and certain concessionary travel passes.

Information to apply for a proxy vote or a Voter Authority Certificate can be found on the gov.uk website.

Terence Herbert, Returning Officer for Wiltshire, said: “As the deadline to register fast approaches, it is important that Wiltshire residents are making sure that they are election ready.

“Registering to vote is a simple process that will take around five minutes and one that I’d encourage all eligible voters to do, to make sure that when the time comes on the 4 July, you are ready to exercise your democratic right and have your say in the general election.

“Due to the short time scale I encourage anyone wishing to apply to do so online.

“If this is not possible call our elections team on 0300 456 0112 or email voting@wiltshire.gov.uk for advice.

“It is important to remember these deadlines are set down in law.

“People who are already registered should soon start to receive their poll cards, which contain useful information on local polling stations and Voter ID.

“I’d recommend that everyone takes a moment to read the information so you’re all ready and we are looking forward to welcoming people to the polling stations on Thursday 4 July."