Make sure you’re registered to vote in time for the local elections on 2nd May

On Thursday 2nd May residents in 16 of the 27 wards, including Stonesfield, in West Oxfordshire will go to the polls to have their say on who represents them at a local level.

Local government elections select councillors, who are responsible for making decisions on running services in your local area. These include housing, planning, leisure, licensing, public safety, and waste and recycling collections.

In order to vote in this important election, residents must be on the electoral register.

The deadline to apply to sign up to vote is midnight on Friday 12th April. Anyone can apply online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. It takes just five minutes.

Residents who have not registered at their current address are urged to make sure they are signed up in time.

Keith Butler, Electoral Registration Officer for West Oxfordshire, said “Time is running out to make sure you can take part in the local elections. These elections 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 West Oxfordshire. If you aren’t already registered and have not applied by 12 April, you won’t be able to vote. If you live in a ward with an election, and are already registered to vote, you should receive a poll card by 5 April. Please let us know if this is not the case.”

Phillippa Saray, Electoral Commission Regional Manager for the East and Southeast of England, said “If you have recently turned 18 or moved home, it is particularly important that you act to ensure that you are registered to vote. It takes just five minutes online and means that you can take part in this important election.”

If you were registered to vote in the last election and your details have not changed, you will still be registered to vote. If you have moved home, or unsure if you’re registered, please call 01993 861000 to check your details.

For more information about which wards have elections this year, see the future elections webpage:www.westoxon.gov.uk/elections