People across Bath are being urged to ensure they are registered to vote so they can have their say in the upcoming elections on Thursday 6th May.
In order to vote in the West of England Mayoral and the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner elections, residents must be on the electoral register.
With the deadline to register to vote fast approaching, Bath & North East Somerset Council is urging people who have not registered at their current address to make sure they are registered in time.
The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Monday 19th April. It takes just five minutes to apply online at www.gov.uk/registertovote.
This year residents in Bath & North East Somerset will be voting in two different elections and will select:
- The West of England, or Regional, Mayor – who leads the West of England Combined Authority which works to highlight the region and drive clean and inclusive economic growth. Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire councils are members of WECA.
- The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) – who oversees our local police force and ensures they are prioritising what matters to you.
Will Godfrey, Electoral Registration Officer for Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “These elections are an important opportunity to make your voice heard and have a say on who represents you on issues that directly affect day-to-day life here in Bath & North East Somerset.
“If you’re not registered by 19 April, you won’t be able to vote.”
Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance at the Electoral Commission, added: “You can’t have your say in these important elections unless you are registered to vote. It’s quick and easy – it takes just five minutes online at www.gov.uk/registertovote.
“If you have recently turned 18 or moved home, it is particularly important that you act to ensure that you are registered to vote.
“If you were registered to vote in the last election and your details have not changed, you don’t need to take any action. If in doubt, you can check with your local authority on 01225 477333.”
Voters have a range of options for casting their ballot – in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote.
For those who choose to vote in person, the local authority has said that polling stations will be safe to use to vote on 6th May.
The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on 20th April, and for a proxy vote the deadline is 5pm on 27th April.
