Get out and vote on Thursday

Local elections are taking place in Blackburn and Darwen tomorrow – Thursday, May 2^nd.  Here’s all you need to know.

The local elections are for you to choose who represents you on your local council. This year, one third of the seats are up for election.

You can check out all election information at: www.blackburn.gov.uk/voting

Polling stations across the borough will open from 7am to 10pm. Some polling stations have changed location this year. You can find yours by checking the address on your polling card or by going to: www.wheredoivote.co.uk. Just enter your postcode and you will be directed to the correct polling station.

If you are still in a queue at your polling station at 10pm you will be allowed to vote.

Parents are allowed to bring children with them when they go to vote. If you are a first-time voter, the polling station staff will be happy to help.

If you need additional help to vote, you can ask a member of staff to assist you. You can also ask someone else you know to help you. If you have a visual impairment, you can ask to see a large print ballot paper.

If you’ve applied for a postal vote but haven’t sent back your ballot paper, you can hand it in at a polling station in your area by 10pm on polling day.

What to do in the polling station:

• When you arrive at the polling station, tell the staff there your name and address. You do not have to bring your poll card with you to vote.
• You will be given a ballot paper for each poll which will have a list of candidates and their political parties or if they are an independent candidate.
• You must vote for one candidate only. Go to a polling booth so that you can make your vote in secret.
• Put an X next to the candidate you wish to vote for, fold your ballot paper in half and put it in the ballot box.