This year sees both national and local elections taking place – and the way we all register to vote has changed.

Up to now, the head of a household has been responsible for registering everyone who lives at their address.

Everyone now needs to register as individuals instead, and you can register online.

Do you want to make your voice heard in the General Election, or local elections, on 7 May 2015? You must be registered by 20 April at the latest.

Take 5 minutes to register online now (you’ll need your National Insurance number).

Find out more about registering and voting, including postal and proxy voting, at About my vote.

Shannon Holland-Houghton, 3rd year Politics & International Studies student, shares her views on why it's important in her blog post.