If you’ve chosen to vote by post in this year’s elections, Pendle Council has some advice on keeping your postal vote safe.

Remember that voting is something you do in secret, and it shouldn’t be shared with others, even members of your family.

Keep your postal vote safe by following our advice.

When you get your postal voting papers, deal with them straight away. Don’t leave them where someone else can find them, and don’t let anyone else handle them.

• Complete your ballot paper in secret, on your own • Don’t let anyone else vote for you or see your vote • Don’t give your ballot paper to anyone else.

Make sure your vote counts by following the instructions carefully. Sign the postal voting statement and add your correct date of birth, then return it and your ballot paper in the correct envelopes.

When returning your postal vote, post it yourself if possible. If you need to ask someone to post it for you, make sure you only give it to someone you know and trust.

Gillian Turpin, Pendle Council’s Elections Manager, said, “If you’ve asked to vote by post in this year’s elections, you should receive your postal vote by 30 April.

“Your postal vote is for you only and you must keep it to yourself. If anyone tries to help you against your will, or force you to give them your postal vote, you must contact the Council’s elections team.

“Remember to send your postal vote back in good time – don’t leave it until the last minute.

“And if you need any help filling out your ballot papers or have difficulty posting them back to us, contact us. If necessary, we can visit you at home.”

Philip Mousdale, Returning Officer for Pendle, added, “As always, we’re keen to see a fair election in Pendle. It’s important that everyone who votes by post keeps their vote to themselves and votes in secret.

“Election fraud is a serious offence. We already have anti-fraud measures in place in Pendle.

"Candidates and agents from all political parties in Pendle have signed a code agreeing to certain standards of practice around the elections.

"We will also be working closely with the Police to ensure the fair election we’re so keen to see.”

For information about this year’s elections, call Pendle Council’s Elections Office on (01282) 661919 or 661662 or visit www.pendle.gov.uk/elections.