COPELAND’S residents will receive their polling cards this week ahead of three elections in May.

Residents will go to the polls on May 2 to vote for a Directly Elected Mayor and 33 councillors to represent the borough. Elections may also be contested for a number of town/parish council seats.

Nominations are now open and the deadline for candidates’ completed forms is 5pm on April 3.

Pat Graham, Copeland Council’s Returning Officer, said: “Because this is the first election since the Local Government Boundary Commission reduced the number of councillors we have from 51 to 33, and re-drew our ward boundaries, we’re urging residents to check their polling card thoroughly."

To register to vote, visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote before April 12.