Voters urged to register in time to have their say in May elections

RESIDENTS of Barrow have a just matter of days to register to vote in important upcoming elections. On May 6, polling stations will open for the Cumbria Police and Crime Commissioner election and…

RESIDENTS of Barrow have a just matter of days to register to vote in important upcoming elections.

On May 6, polling stations will open for the Cumbria Police and Crime Commissioner election and Borough Council by-elections in Hindpool and Roosecote Wards.

But only residents who are on the electoral register will be allowed to have their say - and with the deadline to register to vote fast approaching, Barrow Borough Council is urging people who have not registered at their current address to take action.

The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Monday 19 April. It takes just five minutes to apply online here.

A spokesperson for Barrow Borough Council said: “Time is running out to make sure you can take part in these elections.

“They 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 Barrow-in-Furness.

“If you’re not registered by 19 April, you won’t be able to vote.”

Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance at the Electoral Commission added: “You can’t have your say in these important elections unless you are registered to vote. It’s quick and easy – it takes just five minutes online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

“If you have recently turned 18 or moved home, it is particularly important that you act to ensure that you are registered to vote by contacting the Elections Office on the number below, or by emailing elecreg@barrowbc.gov.uk.

“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 01229 876318.”

Voters have a range of options for casting their ballot – in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote.

For those who choose to vote in person, polling stations will be safe places to vote on 6 May.

The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on 20 April, and for a proxy vote the deadline is 5pm on 27 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 the Electoral Commission. This page will continue to be updated ahead of the polls.