And so the EU referendum date has been called...

It is official-the date of the important referendum on Britain's membership of the European Union will take place on Thursday 23rd June 2016.

Keep this date in your diaries, readers, and if you are not already on the electoral register make sure you are so that you can vote in this referendum. And remember, consider all the facts as well as your individual circumstances before you cast your vote, either for yes or no-neither option can benefit everyone in Britain.

With just four months to go now, here are some useful and informative tips for you all.

1. Every vote could make a difference in this referendum. Many polls initially pointed to a clear lead for Britons remaining in the EU, but that has changed significantly and there is a real possibility that Britain could vote to leave the EU. We are all affected differently by Britain's membership of the EU, and whatever your circumstances, it is important that this referendum has democratic legitimacy.

2. Think independently when making your decision in this referendum-do not rely on the media. Now more than ever, it is important that we make sure that our chance to decide our future (given potential developments in the EU, and consequences of a Brexit) is not manipulated by the few for their own interests, and this includes all the various newspapers. Unlike in Ireland and Switzerland, national referendums rarely occur in the UK.

3. There is no need to spoil your ballot. The Remain/Leave choices are real choices, so spoiling voting papers will be meaningless here.

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