Are you registered to vote in the local elections and referendum?

With the local district Council elections and the referendum on voting systems for Parliamentary elections only a few weeks away Wyre Forest District Council is urging residents not to wait to secure their right to vote and to make sure they are on the electoral register. 

Ian Miller, Electoral Registration Officer for Wyre Forest District Council said, "Now is the time to make sure you are registered to vote before the deadline on Thursday 14 April.  With several bank holidays coming up, residents who are going to be away on 5 May can also apply to vote by post or by proxy.  Registering to vote only takes a few minutes and you can call 01562 732928 or print off foms from our website."

The referendum is on the voting system used for elections to the UK Parliament.  The question being put to voters on 5 May is " At present, the UK uses the 'first past the post' system to elect MPs to the House of Commons. Should the 'alternative vote' system be used instead?"

Electoral Commission spokesperson – Chris Hinde said: "People don't always realise that they can have their say in different ways, including by post of by asking someone you trust (a 'proxy') to cast your vote for you.   So if you are going to be away on Thursday 5 May, take a few minutes now to make sure your voice will still be heard."

Date issue - 4th April 2011