Erewash Borough Council is urging first-time voters to make sure they are registered to have a vote in next month’s General Election.
All residents aged 18 or over now have less than a week to ensure they are ready to take part in their first UK Parliamentary General Election on 6th May.
Anyone wanting to vote must be on the electoral register and the deadline for this is next week – 5pm on Tuesday 20th April - so ‘first-timers’ in Erewash should contact the Council’s elections hotline immediately if they need to register: 0115 907 1190 or email
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Jeremy Jaroszek, Returning Officer for Erewash and Erewash Borough Council Chief Executive, says:
“We know that for many young people this year’s UK General Election will be the first time they vote.
“It is important we make them aware that their name does not go on the electoral register automatically once they have turned 18, or just because they are paying council tax. So if they need to register, or check their details, they must get in touch immediately.
“Erewash Borough Council staff are here to help, so do call them on 0115 907 1190 if you have any questions. Don’t let anything stop you having your say on 6 May!”
So, for the first time voter, here’s what you need to know:
1. To vote in May’s general election, you need to register by 20 April. Registering is quick and straightforward: you can call Erewash Borough Council directly on 0115 907 1190 or print off a form from www.aboutmyvote.co.uk or call 0800 3 280 280
2. What’s the most convenient way for you to vote? You can vote in person at your local polling station, which is open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 6 May. Once you are on the electoral register, Erewash Borough Councilwill send you a card with details of where your polling station is located.
3. Alternatively, you can apply to vote by post. This means your ballot paper is sent to your home address ahead of Election Day. The deadline to request a postal vote is 5pm on 20 April – an application form is available from the Council or on www.aboutmyvote.co.uk
4. The other way of having your say is called voting by proxy, where someone you trust casts your vote for you if you can’t or don’t wish to vote in person or by post. Again, contact the Council or log on to www.aboutmyvote.co.uk
5. When it comes to filling in your ballot paper, simply put an X next to the name of the candidate who you want to represent you as your Member of Parliament. Then sit back and enjoy the drama as the results come in…
