TODAY is the last day people can register to vote in the General Election and the local elections.

If you have not registered by midnight tonight, you will not be able to vote on May 7.

According to the Electoral Commission, more than 1.7 million applications have been submitted in the past five weeks, with almost 470,000 online applications coming from 16 to 24-year-olds.

But its research also suggests there may be as many as 7.5 million unregistered voters.

Jenny Watson, Electoral Commission chairwoman, said: "This is your last chance to register to vote if you want to make your voice heard on 7 May. It takes just a few minutes to apply to register online, so do it now.

"We don't want anyone to miss out, but if you miss the deadline on 20 April and then try to vote you will be turned away from the polling station on election day. Make sure this doesn't happen to you."

Ian Davidson, electoral registration officer for Tendring Council, said people need to take action now if they had not yet registered.

“Time is now running short to make sure you are able take part in the elections, and that means being registered to vote,” he said.

“The message is a simple one; you won’t be able to vote if you aren’t registered by April 20.

“It’s easy to do and only takes a few minutes online at gov.uk/registerto-vote “If you’re not sure, please double check.”

Residents can check whether they are registered to vote by calling the elections team on 01255686566.

• To register to vote, visit www.gov.uk/registertovote or return a paper application in person to your local council headquarters before the deadline.

• Still not sure who to vote for? Learn more about the candidates standing in your area by visiting the dedicated election area of our website by click here.