Stratford District residents encouraged to register to vote

Stratford-on-Avon District Council is encouraging residents to register to vote in the forthcoming local election and national referendum on the voting system.

Darren Whitney, Democratic Services Manager said: “Registering to vote is really easy. I would encourage everyone who is eligible to make sure they register as it will only take a few minutes.

“You can register by downloading the registration form on our website by visiting the council and democracy section or by calling the council directly. Act now if you want to have your say.

“Once you've filled in a registration form, make sure you send it to us as soon as possible to secure your vote. If you don't register you will lose the right to have your say on who is elected, what services are provided in your area and how your MP's are elected in the future."

The deadline is April 14 for voting on Thursday 5 May.

If you want to register call Stratford-on-Avon District Council on 01789 260208 or visit www.stratford.gov.uk and click on the council and democracy section to download a registration form.

• There are currently 95,301 people on Stratford-on-Avon District Council's electoral register which was published on 1 December 2010.
• Only 13% of properties did not respond to the annual canvass last autumn.
• The national referendum will give voters the chance to decide whether to keep our current 'one vote' First-Past-The-Post system for general elections. The other option being proposed is the Alternative Vote system, which allows the voter to rank candidates in order of preference.
• Referendum voters must be British, Irish or Commonwealth citizens, voters in the local elections also include European Union Citizens.