MORE Selby residents than ever are expected to vote by post.

More than 9,000 postal votes have been registered this year, compared with about 2,000 at the last comparable elections in 2003.

This follows new legislation enabling anyone who wants a postal vote to apply for one.

Martin Connor, the chief executive of Selby District Council and the returning officer for the elections, said: "These figures show that postal voting is becoming an increasingly popular way of casting a vote for many people across the district.

"Of course, polling stations will also be open between 7am and 10pm in every area, to enable people to vote in person.

"We hope that by increasing the ways in which people can vote, more residents will take part in the elections for seats on the district council and their local town or parish council."

All of those who have registered to vote by post should have received their postal ballots by now.

These should be signed as directed and returned no later than Thursday.

For those voting in person, details have also been sent giving the directions to the local polling station.