Make sure you are registered to vote

February 1, 2016 by Southend Borough Council

Make sure you are registered to vote

Thursday 28th January 2016

Next week sees the start of the National Voter Registration Drive (NVRD), aimed at encouraging people to register to vote.

With less than 100 days to go until the Police and Crime Commissioner and Borough elections, the council is backing the campaign and urging all local residents to make sure that they are registered to vote.

Every individual is now responsible for ensuring they are on the electoral register, rather than still being the responsibility of the 'head of household'.

“Registering to vote is simple and can be done online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. The deadline to register to vote in the May 2016 Police and Crime Commissioner and Borough Council elections is Monday 18th April.

As part of the campaign, the Southend-on-Sea Electoral Services team will be in the Civic Centre reception on Thursday 4th February from 9.30am to 4.00pm to encourage people to register to vote or provide them with more information and guidance about the process.

Rob Tinlin, Chief Executive of the Council says: “As we approach the May 2016 elections it is vital that as many people as possible are registered to vote so they can have their say on issues that affect their lives. The NVRD are saying 'take power' and 'you matter' and we could not agree more.

“It is quick and easy to register online and only takes a few minutes. The system changed in 2014 and if you are in any doubt as to whether you are registered, please call the team on 01702 215010.”

Being registered means that you can vote in relevant elections and it could also help you to gain credit.

NVRD is run by not for profit community company Bite the Ballot to raise education and awareness around voter registration in the UK. They tweet from @BitetheBallot