By-elections called in Islington's Junction and St George's wards

Local council by-elections have been called in two Islington wards.

The vacancies have arisen following the resignation of Arthur Graves (Independent) in Junction ward, and Jessica Asato (Labour) in St George's. Both were elected to the council in May 2010.

Elections will be held in both wards on Thursday 21 March. Anyone wishing to stand for election must submit nomination papers to the council's electoral services by midday on Friday 22 February.

There are 9,243 voters registered in St George's ward, and 9,009 in Junction.

Residents of these two wards will receive a poll card telling them where they can vote. Anyone who wants to vote by post - or wants to cancel or change an existing postal or proxy vote must advise the Electoral Registration Officer at the Town Hall by 5pm on Wednesday 6 March 2013.

New applications to vote by proxy, except on the grounds of a medical emergency, must reach the Electoral Registration Officer by 5pm on Wednesday 13 March 2013.

Islington Council's chief executive Lesley Seary said: "Over 18,000 Islington residents are entitled to vote, either by post or in person, in these by-elections. Whatever method they choose, our job is to make it easy and reliable.

"If anyone who lives in one of these two wards has any questions about voting they should either check our website www.islington.gov.uk or call the Elections Team on 020 7527 3110."

A full list of the candidates in both wards will be published at midday on Tuesday 26 February 2013.