As a major national advertising campaign is launched across England to encourage voter registration ahead of Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) elections, Ryedale District Council is encouraging local people to visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote to register to vote.
On Thursday 5 May voters in England will go to the polls to elect a Police and Crime Commissioner. Registering now for the elections in May will also mean voters are registered in good time before the referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Union on 23 June.
The Electoral Commission today launched its national voter registration campaign to remind people to register by the deadline of Monday 18 April. In England advertising will appear across TV and online on demand video services. This is in addition to the work that is already being carried out across England by the Commission and partner organisations, which started earlier this year.
Ryedale District Council is also running a follow up to its successful Democracy Rocks campaign in 2015 ahead of the EU Referendum. Young people will be attending a number of workshops at Malton School, putting together and filming a musical pieces to promote local democracy, using old metal ballot boxes as instruments. The young people will be supported by Libby Pearson, Community Arts Coordinator, and Billy Hickling, who has 15 years’ experience as a performer and rehearsal director with the international stage show STOMP! The film they produce will be used on the web, social media and with media organisations to raise awareness of voter registration.
Simon Copley, Democratic Services Manager and Deputy Returning Officer, who came up with the idea for Democracy Rocks Up, said:
“It is really exciting that Democracy Rocks and the Crash Bang Ballot Band are making a return. The feedback from all those involved in 2015 was really positive and it achieved widespread media coverage, raising awareness of elections and voter registration. I am really looking forward to seeing what the young people produce at this year’s workshops.”
Janet Waggott, Electoral Registration Officer for Ryedale said:
“Time is now running out to make sure you can take part in these elections, so I’d encourage everyone in Ryedale to take action now if they’re not already registered to vote. Our message is simple: you can’t vote, if you aren’t registered by 18 April. It’s easy and only takes a few minutes online – just head to gov.uk/register-to-vote.”
Ben Brook, Head of the Electoral Commission, English Regions, said:
“Our public awareness campaign across England aims to encourage anyone not yet registered, to do so as soon as possible. Our research shows that young people, students and recent home movers are less likely to be registered to vote. If you’re not registered you won’t be able to have your say on issues that directly affect your day-to-day life in Ryedale.
“Registering is quick and easy to do online at gov.uk/register-to-vote but you only have until Monday 18 April if you want to vote in the important elections in England this May.”