Published on Wednesday 15 March 2023
Residents in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are set to have their say on who represents them at the upcoming local elections on Thursday 4 May, but they must be on the electoral register to be able to vote.
With the registration deadline fast approaching, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council is urging those who are not yet registered at their current address, to make sure they do before it is too late.
The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Monday 17 April.
It takes just five minutes to apply online at: Register to vote - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
This year residents in BCP will be voting to select:
- councillors, who represent their local area and residents, and help shape the future of their local area by making plans and taking decisions
- parish councillors, who make decisions on local issues affecting their parish and act as ambassadors for their community
Matt Pitcher, Head of Electoral Services at BCP Council, said:
"Local elections are an important opportunity to have a say on who makes decisions about issues that directly affect day-to-day life here in our area.
"If you have recently turned 18 or moved home, it is particularly important to make sure you are correctly registered to vote. If you’re in doubt, you can check with us by contacting us by phone on 01202 123 400 or email at elections@bcpcouncil.gov.uk"
Those intending to vote at polling stations in May will also need to show photographic identification for the first time.
A list of accepted forms of ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website.
Those that do not have eligible ID can apply for free voter authority certificate. The best way to do this is online at: voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk
Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance at the Electoral Commission, said:
"If you’re not registered by 17 April, you will not be able to vote this May. Registering to vote only takes five minutes and can be done online.
"This year voters should also remember that they will need to bring photo ID to the polling station to be able to vote. Anyone that does not have an accepted form of ID can apply for free voter ID by 25 April."