Argyll and Bute residents, make your mark...

[Kintyre Forum News]

Argyll and Bute residents, make your mark in “Register to Vote Week”.

People in Argyll and Bute could be missing out on their right to vote in the upcoming June elections without even knowing it, according to Nigel Stewart, Local Returning Officer for Argyll and Bute.

That’s the message of national Register to Vote Week, from 4 -10 May to make sure that nothing comes between residents and their right to vote.

There are elections on 4 June for the European Parliament. If you want to have your say on who represents you in Europe, you need to register to vote by Tuesday 19 May. If you’re not registered, then you can’t vote.

“We want to make sure that no-one misses out on their right to take part in these elections just because they aren’t registered to vote,” says Nigel Stewart, Local Returning Officer for Argyll and Bute. ”Some people think that they are automatically registered once they pay council tax, but that isn’t the case.”

If you’re not sure whether you are on the electoral register or would like to be sent a registration form, contact the local Electoral Registration Office on
0800 9800470 or visit www.dab-vjb.gov.uk for more information about registering to vote. Visit www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/elections where you can also get information about the elections, find out how to vote and even visit a virtual polling place.

Tuesday 19 May is also the deadline to apply for a postal vote and cancel or request changes to your existing postal vote.

Registering to vote is important because it means you can have a say on the issues that affect you, from the environment to international trade and transport. Remember if your name is not on the electoral register, you will not be able to use your vote to make your voice heard.

Ends

For further information contact:

Dinah Mackay - Press and Media Relations Officer
Argyll and Bute Council
Tel: 01546 604276
Email: dinah.mackay@argyll-bute.gov.uk

Notes to editors

1. This information is being sent out on behalf of Local Returning Officer – Nigel Stewart as part of the Electoral Commission’s national European Electoral Awareness and Participation strategy.
2. The European Parliamentary election will take place on 4 June 2009 in all parts of the UK.