Speaking with local residents over the last few weeks, there’s a subject that is beginning to catch everyone’s attention; the forthcoming local Council elections and the AV referendum in May. With so many of you keen to have your say and cast your vote, it is absolutely vital that you make sure you are registered!
I know that I echo the Council’s sentiment here when I urge you to ensure you are on the electoral register before the deadline of Thursday 14th April. It is so simple to do, either by phoning the Council or requesting a registration form online and it only takes a few minutes.
Voting for your elected representatives is a vital part of democracy. They represent our communities, and make decisions that affect our daily lives and can have an impact on local business, the economy and environment. This is why it is so frustrating when people want to vote for their favourite candidate, as they believe they will bring the most to their community, but they are stopped from doing so because they forgot to register.
Also, it is not just the local elections that are important, if you aren’t registered, you cannot vote in the national referendum on the voting system. The way you vote for your Member of Parliament is being reviewed and a change in the current system could have devastating consequences. So, if like me, you want to stop this from happening and keep the current simple, fair and easy to understand system, then you need to be registered!
Check today before it’s too late or your voice will not be heard!