Council backs vote registration campaign

February 4, 2015 by Joanna Harrison

Council Backs Vote Registration Campaign

Wednesday 4th February 2015

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council is backing National Voter Registration Day (NVRD) taking place tomorrow (Thursday 5th February), which is aimed nationally at encouraging people to register to vote. With less than 100 days to go until the General, Borough and Parish elections, the council is urging all local residents to make sure that they are registered to vote under the new system that was introduced last Summer. Every individual is now responsible for ensuring they are on the electoral register, rather than the ‘head of household.’ Registering to vote is simple and can be done online at www.southend.gov.uk/vote. The deadline to register to vote in the May 2015 Parliamentary, Borough and Parish council elections is 20th April.

The council is also using the campaign to work with South Essex College and the University of Essex to target the registration of young people.

The Southend-on-Sea Electoral Services team will be at South Essex College on Thursday 5th February from 11am to 2.30pm and the University of Essex, Southend campus Friday 20thFebruary (time to be confirmed).

Rob Tinlin, Chief Executive of the Council says: "It is vital that as we approach the May 2015 elections as many people as possible are registered to vote so they can have their say on issues that affect their lives. It is quick and easy to register online and only takes a few minutes. The system changed last Summer and if you are in any doubt as to whether you are registered, please call the team on 01702 215010.

"As a large student town we are also using this national campaign to target the young people of our Borough and I would urge students to come and see the team at our registration sign up sessions.”

Kay Jenkins, Head of English regions at the Electoral Commission, said:
“National Voter Registration Day exists because it’s important that anyone who’s eligible to be on the register, but has not yet registered, does so. Young people, students and people who move frequently are much less likely to be registered to vote. We’re urging them to use the day as an opportunity to get onto the electoral register.”

Being registered means that you can vote in relevant elections and it could also help you to gain credit.

NVRD is run by not for profit community company Bite the Ballot to raise education and awareness around voter registration in the UK. They tweet from @BitetheBallot using the hashtags #NVRD and #TakethePower