Voters urged to register in time to have their say in May

On Thursday 6 May residents in Stratford-on-Avon will have their say on who represents them Warwickshire County Council and to elect the Police and Crime commissioner for the Warwickshire Police Area. 

There are also four Neighbourhood Planning Referendums to be held in Alcester, Clifford Chambers, Ilmington and Napton-on-the-Hill and.

In order to vote in these important elections, residents must be on the electoral register. With the deadline to register to vote fast approaching, Stratford-on-Avon District 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 19 April.

It takes just five minutes to apply online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

This year residents in Stratford-on-Avon will be voting in a total of two different elections, together with four neighbourhood planning referendums and will select:

• Councillors, who represent their local area and residents, and contribute to the development of policies in areas such as transport, social care or housing.
• The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), who oversees your local police force and ensures they are prioritising what matters to you.
• Residents in four parishes in the Stratford-on-Avon area will also be voting to determine whether neighbourhood planning referendums in the areas should be approved.

David Buckland, Electoral Registration Officer for Stratford-on-Avon District Council said: "Time is running out to make sure you can take part in these elections. They are an 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 Stratford-on-Avon. 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 said: "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 01789 260208."

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, polling stations will be safe places to vote on 6 May.

The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on 20 April, and for a proxy vote the deadline is 5pm on 27 April.

For information on elections in their area, how to register to vote, or how to apply to vote by post or by proxy, voters can visit www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voter. This page will continue to be updated ahead of the polls.