FORMER Winchester MP Mark Oaten has vented his frustration at trying to organise his postal vote in the forthcoming city council elections.

Mr Oaten has been left angered by the difficulties in sorting out his voting for the polls on May 5.

In an email to the city council he said: “Your polling card is a mess. Read it. Under ‘vote by post or proxy’ it says apply by post and fill in a application form.

“Where do you apply for the form? No details are given.”

Mr Oaten, who works in Brussels for a trade body but has a home in Twyford, added: “It is the modern world. This should all be so easy. A few clicks. An easy link.

“The idea that you turn up on a Thursday to a village hall to vote, these days most people can’t do that.

“You should make it much easier to get a postal vote. Not hide it away like this. No wonder young people don’t vote. Please can you email me the form.”

A council spokesman said: “The electoral services team has responded directly to Mr Oaten in relation to his enquiry.

“Poll cards contain full contact details for the city council: there is a dedicated telephone number 01962 848125, email ereg@winchester.gov.uk and details of the website. The full address is also included.

“Applications for the form may be made using any of the contact details given, there is a downloadable version on the website or a copy can be requested by phone.

“There is legislation regarding what must be included on a poll card,” he added.