Make sure you have your say at the ballot box on 5 May

Archived press release

Date Published: 22/03/11

Ballot box

Electors in Aylesbury Vale are being reminded that with a local election being held this year and a referendum on the UK Parliamentary voting system, they need to make sure they’re registered to vote.

All 59 seats at Aylesbury Vale District Council are being contested whilst all 85 parish councils in the area are also up for re-election including the new parish council for Buckingham Park near Aylesbury.

The election and referendum will be taking place on Thursday 5 May, and residents are being reminded that if they think they may be away during April or May it will be worth applying for a postal vote to make sure they don’t lose their vote.

To vote at the elections by post, or at a polling station, residents need to be on the Register of Electors by 14 April. The same day is the last day for postal vote applications or changes to an existing postal or proxy vote. Those who have recently moved may wish to register at their new address so that they can vote for a councillor in their new area.

Postal votes can be posted back to the council or returned by hand to the AVDC offices or a polling station before the close of poll.

For many young people who will be 18 on or before 5 May, this will be the first time they have been eligible to cast their vote. Council officers are urging them to ensure they are on the electoral roll before the deadline of 14 April.

Everyone who is included on the Register of Electors will be sent a polling card giving details of when and where to vote.

The referendum on the UK parliamentary voting system will ask a question about the current ‘first past the post’ system of electing MPs. Each household will receive a letter from the Electoral Commission to explain the voting process.

Electors registered as European Union citizens are not entitled to vote in the national referendum but may still vote in the local elections.

Chris Sheard, Electoral Services Manager, said: “People perhaps aren’t aware that they need to re-register every year to secure their right to vote. We wrote to all Aylesbury Vale households in August last year as part of our annual voter registration process. If you are not sure if you returned your form, or if you have moved house since then and have not re-registered at your new address, then take a few minutes to check now. Doing so will make sure nothing stops you from having your say on election day.”

Residents can check if they are on the electoral register by phoning 01296 585807 or emailing electoralreg@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk

Forms for registering to vote and to request a postal vote can be downloaded from www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/elections