Residents are being encouraged to register to vote before the deadline on 12 April, so that they can take part in elections to South Gloucestershire Council on Thursday 2 May. Elections will also be taking place for Town and Parish Councils across the district.
You must be registered on the electoral roll in order to vote and have your say and registration will also mean you are able to vote in any other elections as well. It only takes five minutes to register online; just go to www.gov.uk/register-to-vote and have your National Insurance number handy.
People newly-eligible to vote, including those who have turned 18 since the last poll; those who have changed their name; and people who have recently moved into the area, will all need to register. You only need to register once to be on the electoral roll, unless your details change, but you can check your eligibility, whether you are already on the register and apply for a postal vote if you want one, all at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. For more information you can call the council’s Electoral Services team on 01454 863030, email electoral.services@southglos.gov.uk or visit one of our One Stop Shops in Kingswood, Patchway or Yate.
Since the last poll in 2015 and following a review by the Electoral Commission, the number of seats on the council will be reduced from the current 70 down to 61 after the election in May. Some of the Ward names and boundaries have also changed.
The council has published a full list of candidates who have been nominated for the elections, which you can download at www.southglos.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/councillors-democracy-and-elections/elections-voting/elections/local-elections-2019
Once you are registered to vote the council will send you a polling card in the post, which will confirm which Ward you are in and the local polling station where you can cast your ballot.
Polling stations will be open from 7:00AM – 10:00PM on May 2 and counting for the South Gloucestershire Council elections will take place overnight, with the results likely to be announced early in the morning of May 3. Town and Parish Council counts will be carried out from Friday May 3, with the results due to be announced later that day.
South Gloucestershire Council’s Returning Officer, John McCormack, said: “The deadline to be registered to vote is April 12 and so I would urge all residents over 18 to log on to check their eligibility and make sure you can have your say in the upcoming elections. It only takes five minutes and your vote will help shape the council for the next four years.
“These elections will determine who will be your voice and so it is really important that you take part and make yourself heard.”
More information on the elections can be found on the South Gloucestershire Council website at www.southglos.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/councillors-democracy-and-elections/elections-voting/elections/local-elections-2019
