Ballot papers have been sent out to postal voters for next month’s local elections.

Around 20,000 packs for people registered to vote by post have been issued by St Albans City and District Council.

Elections will take place on Thursday, May 3, with a seat in each of the Council’s 20 wards to be contested.

There will also be elections for a seat in the St Albans North Division of Hertfordshire County Council and one in the North West Ward of London Colney Parish Council.

Mike Lovelady, the Electoral Registration officer, said: “Postal voters should keep an eye out for the packs and follow the instructions about how to cast their votes.

“They must remember to include their date of birth and signature on the postal voting statement. This statement is kept separately from the ballot paper so their vote is always kept secret.”

Completed ballot papers and postal vote statements should be placed in the pre-paid addressed envelope and returned to the District Council by 10pm on election day.

Voters unable to attend a polling station can register to vote by proxy. The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5pm on Wednesday, April 25.

Application forms are available on the District Council’s website on: goo.gl/2npXOI

Alternatively, people can ask for a paper form to be sent to them by contacting the elections team on 01727 819294 or by emailing elections@stalbans.gov.uk

Forms should be returned to the Electoral Registration Officer, St Albans City and District Council, Civic Centre, St Peter’s Street, St Albans, Herts, AL1 3JE, or the email address above.

The District Council has 58 Councillors who serve staggered four year terms with around a third of the seats coming up for election in three out of each four year cycle.

Details of candidates are available on the Council’s website along with other information at: goo.gl/H8PCyw