(Issue early March)
Don’t miss out on your chance to vote in the [insert name of local authority] election on 3 May
With less than two months to go, residents of (insert local area) are being reminded to make sure they can take part in the local elections on Thursday 3 May.
(Insert name of electoral registration officer) is encouraging people to make sure they are registered to vote in time for the elections:
“You must be on the electoral register to have your say on who sits on your council. If you have recently moved to the area, or moved house it is important to make sure that you register at your new address otherwise you won’t be able to vote.
“It only takes a few minutes to complete a registration form but you must make sure we receive it by Wednesday 18 April.”
Registration forms are available by calling (insert number for electoral registration office) or you can print a form from www.aboutmyvote.co.uk
(Insert name of Electoral Commission spokesperson), from the Electoral Commission, the independent elections watchdog, is also reminding voters that they can still vote even if they can’t make it to the polling station on 3 May.
“Even if you will be away on holiday, or think you might be caught up in work you can make sure you have your say by applying to vote by post or proxy. You can print off the forms from www.aboutmyvote.co.uk”
ENDS
For more information contact:
Insert local authority media contact
Electoral Commission Spokesperson:
East: Phillippa Saray, Electoral Commission regional manager
South East: Phillippa Saray, Electoral Commission regional manager
London: Adrian Green, Electoral Commission regional manager
Midlands: Chris Hinde, Electoral Commission regional manager
North: Barbara Lines, Electoral Commission regional manager
South West: Adrian Green, Electoral Commission regional manager
Notes to editors
1. To vote in the election on 3 May, people need to be on the electoral register and be:
· aged 18 or over on polling day
· a British, Irish, EU or qualifying Commonwealth citizen
2. Registration and election related images for media use (free of charge) can be found at: http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/news-and-media/media-resources/
3. The Electoral Commission is an independent body set up by the UK Parliament. Its aim is integrity and public confidence in the UK’s democratic process. It regulates party and election finance and set standards for well-run elections. It is also responsible for the conduct and regulations of referendums held under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act (2000).