Don't lose right to vote

Published 4 Mar 2010 14:39 0 Comments

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VOTERS are being urged to check they are registered to have their say in upcoming local and national elections.

Electoral services manager at Wokingham Borough Council, Alison Wood, does not want people to be caught out.

She said: "People who are not on the electoral register - for example, if they have recently moved or if they did not complete an annual canvass form last autumn - will lose their right to vote unless they apply to go on it.

"This process can take a few days, and so we are keen to encourage anyone who is unsure whether they are registered to take action now, as we don't know when the General Election will be called."

On Thursday, May 6, local government elections will be held in the following wards: Arborfield, Emmbrook, Evendons, Hawkedon, Hillside, Maiden Erlegh (and by-election), Norreys, Shinfield South (and by-election), Swallowfield, Winnersh, Finchampstead North, Finchampstead South, Wokingham Without, Coronation, Remenham, Wargrave and Ruscombe, Bulmershe and Whitegates, Loddon and South Lake.

These parish council seats will also go to the polls: Arborfield Cross, Arborfield Green, Maiden Erlegh, Swallowfield, Remenham, Wargrave East, Wargrave West, and Wargrave North.

The General Election date has not been set but can be no later than June 10. Anyone can apply to vote by post or to appoint a proxy to vote on their behalf.

Ms Wood said: "Proxy votes are useful for those who are away during May so would be unable to vote either in person or by post."

To check whether you are registered, to request a registration form, or to request a postal or proxy vote application form, call the Eelectoral services helpline on 0118 974 6522.

This article appeared in Villager 03 Mar 10

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