Registering to vote takes a few minutes online.
Help is available at the Badger Centre until 20th April. North Somerset Citizens Advice Bureau want to encourage under-represented groups to register. Here’s some facts to explain why:
- 63% of renters are registered to vote, compared to 94% of homeowners
- people on the highest incomes were 43% more likely to vote compared to those on the lowest in the last election
- 44% of young people aged 18-24 voted in the last election compared to 76% of over 65 year olds
- Not being registered can affect credit application, as many agencies check the electoral roll
The deadline to register is 20th April so time really is running out.
The easiest way to register to vote is by visiting www.gov.uk/register-to-vote but what if you’re not confident using computers? North Somerset Citizens Advice Bureau can help. They have two PC’s available, and the receptionist can help anyone who needs a hand. Just pop in to the Badger Centre Monday – Friday between 9am – 4:30pm by April 20th.
Registering doesn’t have to be done online, but it is the quickest way. You can request a paper copy by calling Electoral Services on 01934 634 909 to request a copy.
Of course, not everybody can easily get to the polling station on May 7th even if they are registered. No problem! Anybody can apply to vote via post, you don’t need a reason. You can download the form here. Return it to: Electoral Services, Town Hall, Walliscote Grove Road, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1UJ by 5pm Tuesday 21st April. You must also register to vote either online or via post.
There is another way too. If you can’t get to the polling station on May 7th because of employment, education or disability, you can apply to vote by proxy, which means you send somebody else to vote on your behalf. You can download the form here. Return it to: Electoral Services, Town Hall, Walliscote Grove Road, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1UJ by 5pm Tuesday 28th April. You must also register to vote either online or via post.
North Somerset Citizens Advice Bureau staff will also be taking a tablet to help people register to sessions at Somewhere To Go, The For All Healthy Living Centre, Yatton Children’s Centre and Addaction.