With just 50 days to go until the Parliamentary and Local Elections on Thursday 7 May 2015, Stockton Council is urging residents – register to vote today to have your say in May!
The Council is also targeting specific groups that are most likely to miss out on being able to vote because they are not registered. This includes recent home movers, people in rented accommodation, minority groups, as well as older and vulnerable people.
It is believed that the biggest group of unregistered voters is young people aged 18 to 24 years so the Council is working with local colleges and universities to encourage their students to get registered online using www.gov.uk/registertovote.
Sixth Form students at Teesside High School will take part in an interactive workshop called “Young people should be seen and heard – you decide” on Tuesday 17 March to help them to understand the importance of being registered, voting and receive guidance on how to decide who to vote for.
Councillor David Harrington, Stockton Council’s Cabinet Member for Corporate Management and Finance, said: “My message to anyone not registered to vote, is to do it now.
“It’s a quick and easy process, which can now be done online or by phone instead of filling in forms.
“I would especially encourage our young people to register and vote as the outcome of these elections will have a major impact on their futures.”
Every individual is personally responsible for making sure that they are registered to vote.
Registering online (at www.gov.uk/registertovote) or by phone (01642 526196) only takes about three minutes. People will need their date of birth and National Insurance number to hand.
If you have a disability and require help to register to vote or you know somebody who is disabled and needs assistance to register – call the Voter Registration Helpline on 01642 526196.
For more information, visit www.gov.uk/yourvotematters or emailelectoral@stockton.gov.uk