IT'S free, it's easy and it's just a phone call away – make your mark on West Devon's elections next month by using a postal or proxy vote.

The final deadline for applications to receive a postal vote for the May 5 elections is next week on Thursday April 14.

All you have to do to vote by post is contact West Devon Borough Council's elections office for an application form on 01822 813665. Send your application form back to the council by April 14 and your postal vote will be sent out within a few days.

April 14 is also the deadline for ensuring you have a vote on election day. Register your details with West Devon Borough Council and your name will be included on the voting list. Contact the council's elections office on 01822 813665 for a claim form, complete it, and send it back by 5pm on April 14.

Now is also the time to consider applying to vote by proxy. A proxy vote means that someone can vote on your behalf. The deadline for completed applications is 5pm on Thursday April 21. Again, contact the council's elections office on 01822 813665 and ask for an application form.

The elections are being held for contested parish, town and borough seats. On the same day as the elections, there will also be an opportunity to vote in the national referendum on the voting system for UK parliamentary elections which is being held nationally.