NEWPORT City Council received the official writ for the general election yesterday, following the dissolution of parliament.

Issued by the Lord Chancellor, the custom directs councils across the UK to call an election and begin preparations to encourage the electorate to vote.

Writs have been delivered to all local authorities across the UK, representing the 650 constituencies served by Westminster.

Will Godfrey, chief executive of Newport City Council and the acting returning officer for Newport’s two parliamentary constituencies, said: “The delivery of the writ is more than symbolic.

"It's a brilliant link to the past and I have a duty to make it into an event that people can see from beginning to end.

“It places a great duty of responsibility on councils to ensure that resources are in place to facilitate democratic process of electing MPs."

He added: “Preparations for the election are well-underway, but taking receipt of the writ is a reminder, if one was necessary, that the big day is almost upon us.

“This could be a potentially life-changing election with an overall result for the whole of the UK.”

Prospective voters have until April 20 to register to vote in the election. Information on voter registration can be found at:http://www.newport.gov.uk/en/Council-Democracy/Elections-and-voting/General-Election-2015.aspx.