NORTH Yorkshire voters can now vote by post - whether or not they can get to the polling station.

Postal voting has been available on demand since February 2001. The measure was introduced to raise election turnouts.

The Electoral Commission found that one-fifth of voters did not vote in the 2000 local government elections because the polling station was too hard to get to.

Postal voting will also make voting easier for those working long hours.

You can apply for a postal vote for the May 1 elections until April 23. Information is available online at www.postalvotes.co.uk or from local councils.

The following councils will offer postal voting: Craven, Hambleton, Harrogate, Richmondshire, Ryedale, Scarborough, Selby, and the City of York.

Updated: 09:36 Thursday, April 17, 2003