THE general election is fast approaching — with 16 days left to register to vote — as the Island receives the official call for an election, on December 12.

The official 'writ from the clerk to the crown' was delivered to the Island yesterday (Thursday) which commands an election be held for a member of Parliament for the Isle of Wight consistency.

Parliament was dissolved on Wednesday which signalled the call for a election writ, issued by the Lord Chancellor, to be hand delivered to every constituency in the UK.

As part of the process for a general election Geoff Underwood, High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight and returning officer for parliamentary elections, and Claire Shand, acting returning officer for the Isle of Wight Council oversaw the delivery.

Once the voting count is complete — following the general election — to formalise the result, the returning officer must write the name of the winning candidate on the writ and return it to the clerk to the crown, who is based in the Houses of Parliament.

For those who wish to vote, you will need to make sure you are registered before the deadline of Tuesday, November 26. If you have already registered to vote for a previous election, you will already be on the electoral register and will not need to register again.

To check if you are registered, or to sign up, visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote and fill out the form.

Don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.