Published Friday 18 March 2016 at 13:26
As a major national advertising campaign is launched across England to encourage voter registration ahead of Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and Blackburn with Darwen Council elections, Returning Office Harry Catherall is encouraging local people to visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote to register to vote.
On Thursday 5 May voters in the Borough will go to the polls to elect Blackburn with Darwen Councillors and a Police and Crime Commissioner. Registering now for the elections in May will also mean voters are registered in good time before the referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Union on 23 June.
The Electoral Commission has launched its national voter registration campaign to remind people to register by the deadline of Monday 18 April. In England advertising will appear across TV and online on demand video services. This is in addition to the work that is already being carried out across England by the Commission and partner organisations, which started earlier this year.
Harry Catherall, the Police Area Returning Officer and also the Returning Officer for Blackburn with Darwen Council said:
“Time is now running out to make sure you can take part in these elections, so I’d encourage everyone to take action now if they’re not already registered to vote. Our message is simple: you can’t vote, if you aren’t registered by 18 April. It’s easy and only takes a few minutes online – just head to gov.uk/register-to-vote.”
Ben Brook, Head of the Electoral Commission, English Regions, said:
“Our public awareness campaign across England aims to encourage anyone not yet registered, to do so as soon as possible. Our research shows that young people, students and recent home movers are less likely to be registered to vote. If you’re not registered you won’t be able to have your say on issues that directly affect your day-to-day life.
“Registering is quick and easy to do online at gov.uk/register-to-vote but you only have until Monday 18 April if you want to vote in the important elections in England this May.”