Don't get cross - get registered to vote
Residents in Allerdale are being encouraged to
make sure they are registered to vote in the local elections
and the referendum on the alternative voting method on 5 May
2011.
Allerdale Borough Council has produced an
online information video highlighting some of the common
misconceptions which mean that some people may not be
registered to vote even though they think they are.
Many people believe that they can
vote just because they pay their council tax or they filled in an
electoral registration form years ago. But if they have not updated
and returned the reminder forms which they received last year, then
when they turn up on polling day they will sadly have to be turned
away.
Even those people who are on the electoral
register may miss out if they decide to vote by post or get someone
else to vote for them as they are out of the area on polling day.
It is one thing being registered for a normal vote
but they must also apply for a postal or proxy vote to
make sure it is signed, sealed and delivered in time for the
election.
In addition, anyone who
has changed their name – such as through marriage –
or has moved house will need to let the Council know about
their change of name or address or else they will not be
able to stand up and be counted on election day.
It is easy to get registered to vote -
simply get in touch with Allerdale Borough Council’s Elections
team. They will be able to check if you are fully registered to
vote and they can offer advice to guide you through the
registration process if you are not.
For more information, call Allerdale Borough
Council’s Elections team on 01900 702550, email elections@allerdale.gov.uk
or visit the Council's elections page.