Lancashire County Council is reminding people to register to vote by Wednesday 17th April or miss the chance to have their say in the council elections.
There’s now just one month to go until Thursday 2nd May, when Lancashire’s voters will elect their representatives to shape and decide on county council services.
Today (Tuesday 2 April 2013) is ‘Register to Vote Day’ and the Electoral Commission is launching their public awareness campaign ahead of the elections on 2nd May. For more details visit their website – www.aboutmyvote.co.uk.
The county council provides around 85 per cent of all local government services in Lancashire and all 84 seats on the council are up for election.
Phil Halsall, chief executive of Lancashire County Council, said: “County elections are only held every four years, so it’s important that people use this opportunity and cast their vote.
“The county council runs a wide range of different services including social care, roads and public transport, libraries, youth centres and much more.
“County councillors are elected by the people and make important decisions affecting the lives of everyone in Lancashire. I’d encourage everyone to have their say and use their right to vote.”
You can vote in person at your polling station on 2nd May, by post, or by proxy – choosing someone to vote on your behalf.
Anyone wishing to vote by post needs to complete and return their form by Wednesday 17th April.
If you’ve moved house in the past few months, you’ll need to register your new address. Anyone who turns 18 on or before 2nd May will also need to be registered, so that they can vote for the first time.
New applications to vote by proxy (not postal proxy) should be returned by 24th April. The last date to apply to vote by proxy on the grounds of a medical emergency is 5.00 pm on the day of the election.
Your district election officer will be able to advise you – for contact details visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/elections.
The county council recently re-launched its website to help people find out more about the elections. Log on to www.lancashire.gov.uk/elections where you can find out how to register to vote, get information about the elections and register to get results once the votes have been counted.