Three people are going to be battling it out in the upcoming Town Council election for the West Ward in Shepton Mallet.

• Janet Lesley Reilly, representing Future Shepton - Working together for Shepton.
• Amber Rose Smithwick, representing the Liberal Democrats.
• David Albert George Swain, representing The Conservative Party.

These candidates have put themselves forward, offering their dedication and commitment to serving the West Ward and addressing the concerns and aspirations of the community.

The Town Council election serves as an opportunity for residents to exercise their democratic rights and shape the future of Shepton Mallet. Voters will have the chance to evaluate the candidates' platforms and visions for the town, ultimately determining who will be entrusted with the responsibility of representing their interests and contributing to the local governance.

Prospective voters should mark their calendars for critical deadlines ahead of the election:

• If you're yet to register to vote, you have until 13 June to complete the process - a simple step that can be conveniently accomplished online.
• Postal vote applications are open until 5pm on 14 June, while the deadline for proxy votes stands at 5pm on 21 June.
• A reminder for those intending to cast their vote in person at a polling station: photo ID is mandatory. Acceptable forms include passports, driving licenses, or even older person's bus passes. You can view the full list of suitable identification here: electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID. Rest assured, even out-of-date ID is acceptable, provided it's a recognisable representation of you and the name corresponds with your voter registration. If you find yourself without the necessary ID, don't fret - you can apply for the FREE Voter Authority Certificate (VAC). But act fast, as the application deadline is 21 June. Applications can be conveniently made online, by post or in person.

The election itself will take place on Thursday 29 June.

So mark your calendars, prepare your IDs, and gear up to make your voice heard this June.