ELECTION time is looming. There is less than a month before residents go to the ballot boxes for the Bucks County Council elections and the Free Press has launched its 'get out and vote campaign'.

It only takes about four MINUTES from entering the polling stations to put a cross in the box for your preferred candidate - for four YEARS of democracy.

Yet, many people stay at home at these council elections.

The Free Press is appealing to readers to engage in this year's electoral campaign and in the democratic process.

The men and women who are elected to County Hall are extremely important for the day to day lives of all Bucks residents. They will make the decisions on your behalf until 2017, spending £325million per year in the process.

That's £325,000,000 every year.

And the council delivers over 500 services. In fact, without realising it, many people will use its services and staff from being born, when birth papers are registered, through to dying, when death certificates are issued.

Over the next four weeks the Free Press will be endeavouring in print, online and through video, to tell you who your candidates are and why it is vital you get out there and make your vote count.

If you don't go out and vote on May 2 then what right do you have to complain about the council?

The councillors you select will be dealing with fixing the county's battered roads - one of the most common gripes our readers have. If you've ever been angered by potholes, these are the people who will decide how this problem is tackled.

If you've got children, nieces, or nephews, then the council is also vital. It is the authority in charge of your child's education.

If you've got elderly parents, relatives or friends, again the council could not be more important. It is responsible for adult social care.

These are among the most important services it delivers but there are much, much more.

Gill Hibberd, Buckinghamshire County Council Returning Officer, said: "Elected councillors are responsible for spending around £325 million on services that affect everyone's life from cradle to grave.

"So it's important that council taxpayers have their say through the ballot box on who they want to represent them locally in deciding how this money is spent.

"It takes only around four minutes to cast your vote to influence the next four years of local government."

Residents are reminded to ensure they are definitely registered to vote.

You have until April 17 to be included on the official Register of Electors otherwise or you will miss the chance to vote.

Applications for a new postal vote or to make changes to an existing postal vote have to be submitted by 5pm on April 17. Applications for a proxy vote can be made up until 5pm on April 24.

Further useful voting information is available on www.aboutmyvote.co.uk