With only one week to go until the voter registration deadline for next month’s local elections, anyone wanting to vote must make sure they are registered in time.
The deadline to register to vote is midnight on 14 April. You can apply online at gov.uk/register-to-vote. It takes just five minutes.
On Thursday 5 May voters will go to the polls to have their say on who represents them at a local level. This year residents in Blaenau Gwent will be voting to select councillors, who represent their local area and residents, and contribute to the development of policies in areas such as transport, social care and housing
Andrea Jones, Returning Officer for Blaenau Gwent Council, said:
“With only one week to go, time is running out to make sure you can take part in the local elections. These elections are an important 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 Blaenau Gwent. In order to be able to vote, residents must be on the electoral register. So if you’re not registered by midnight 14 April, you won’t be able to take part.”
Rhydian Thomas, Head of the Electoral Commission Wales, said:
“You can only take part in the May elections if you are registered to vote, and time is running out. It’s quick and easy – it takes just five minutes online at www.gov.uk/registertovote.
“If you have recently turned 16 or moved home, it is particularly important that you make sure you are correctly 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 01495 355086”
Voters have a range of options – they can vote in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote.
The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on 19 April, and for a proxy vote the deadline is 5pm on 26 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.