WITH just one week to go before voting day the council's elections team is carrying out its final preparations.

Borough council, parish council and Cheshire police and crime commissioner elections will be taking place next Thursday, May 5.

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on the day.

As some ward boundaries have changed, residents may need to vote at a different polling station than they have done previously.

The correct station will be indicated on polling cards.

A total of 158 borough council candidates will battle it out at the polls.

To view the full list click here.

Four candidates will contest the Cheshire police and crime commissioner election held on the same day.

The list is made up of Conservative John Dwyer, Labour's David Keane, Liberal Democrat Neil Lewis and UKIP's Jonathan Starkey.

Here are some answers to popular questions about voting:

Who can vote?

You must be registered to vote, be at least 18 on polling day, be British or be a Commonwealth or Republic of Ireland citizen living in the UK.

My postal vote hasn't arrived – what do I do?

Contact the elections team on 442184.

I have received a postal vote but I want to vote in person – how can I do that?

Unfortunately, you must use the postal vote sent to you as your ballot papers have already been issued to you.

I have lost my postal vote – what can I do?

You will need to call 442184 to request a new one.

I have lost my polling card – can I still vote?

Yes – just attend your polling station and give your name and date of birth.

What about disabled voters?

To help blind and partially sighted voters, there are large print ballot papers and a 'tactile device' in each polling station.

All stations are now more accessible for wheelchair users – but if a voter is unable to enter the polling station because of physical disability, the presiding officer may take the ballot paper to them.

If you need help completing your vote ask for assistance at the station.

Proxy ballots are allowed for those unable to vote because of disability, or the help of the presiding officer may be requested.

If you have any problems on election day call 442184.

What is on the ballot paper?

You will be given an officially marked ballot paper listing all the candidates in alphabetical order of surname, with the description of their party, if they have one.

You place an X in the boxes beside your chosen candidates.

The ballot paper will tell you how many candidates you are allowed to vote for.

Is it compulsory to vote?

No, people cannot be forced to vote.

Is my vote secret?

The ballot paper contains a serial number.

The number is there to prevent electoral fraud and details of what ballot paper an individual receives is only revealed if there is an election petition. How you vote is completely secret.

If you haven't registered to vote yet, you won't be able to vote in the elections on May 5 but you can still register now to make sure you can vote in the EU Referendum on June 23.

It's quick and easy to register to vote, you can do it online at gov.uk/register-to-vote, by e-mailing elections@warrington.gov.uk or by calling 442184.

If you have any specific queries about the elections or voting contact electoral services on 442184 or e-mail elections@warrington.gov.uk.

For further information about the elections visit warrington.gov.uk/elections2016 and for more information about the boundary changes go to lgbce.org.uk