John Prescott launches Labour's campaign to encourage postal voting in August 2004
(PA/EMPICS)

Q. How do I know if I’m registered to vote?
A. Ask to see the electoral register at your local council or public library, or contact your local authority. If you don't know who your local authority is, you can find out by telephoning the Local Government Association information line on 020 7664 3131 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Q. Can I register now?
A. Unfortunately not – the deadline to register your vote was 11 March. If you haven’t already done so, it’s too late now for the 5 May election.

Q. What if I forget my card at the polling station?
A. Your name can still be looked up on the electoral register by the presiding officer. They’ll cross off your name and give you an official ballot paper with a unique serial number on it to prevent electoral fraud.

Q. What’s the point of voting if my party will never get in because the other one always wins by a landslide?
A. Well, that’s up to you. Do you choose to vote tactically to make sure the party you like least doesn’t get in? Or do you vote for your party knowing that if everyone voted tactically – or didn’t vote at all – it would never stand a chance, and you want to give it all the support you can?

Q. What is a postal vote?
A. Exactly that – a vote you can send in by post. Anyone can request a postal vote, either for a particular or an indefinite period, or for a particular election only. Simply contact the electoral returning officer at your local authority, who will send you a card that you have to fill in and return by 29 April.