May elections reminder to would-be electors

A final reminder is being issued to people who want to vote in this month’s elections that they must ensure they are registered by Tuesday 6 May.

Eleven political parties and will contest the elections on Thursday 22 May to choose the North West of England’s eight Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).

At the same time, electors in the Blackburn with Darwen will be choosing councillors.

Voters go to the polls on Thursday 22 May for both elections. Blackburn with Darwen Council results will be counted on 23 May and the North West European Parliamentary Elections count will take place on Sunday 25 May, as polls close across Europe.

People will not be able to vote in either election unless they have ensured they are on the electoral register by Tuesday 6 May.

Anyone who is on the electoral register can choose to register to vote by post. Applications for a postal vote in the forthcoming elections must also be received by 5pm on Wednesday 7 May.

Anyone who is not registered can visit the elections pages to download a registration form. Alternatively, or if they need to update their details (for example if they have changed address or changed surname through marriage since registering) or check whether they are on the register, they should email voting@blackburn.gov.uk or call (01254) 585920. Registration is a quick and easy process.

For more information about the European Elections, including a full list of candidates, visit www.northwestvotes.gov.uk

Further information about the Blackburn with Darwen Council again including a full list of candidates, can be found here

Sir Howard Bernstein, Regional Returning Officer for the European Parliamentary Elections in the North West, said: “These elections give people the chance to elect the politicians who will represent them locally and in Europe. It is essential to make sure that nobody loses out on their right to vote because they are not registered. But time is running out fast.”

Harry Catherall, returning officer for Blackburn with Darwen, said: ““The right to vote in elections is a fundamental part of living in an open and democratic society. I would urge all residents to exercise that freedom and have their say. If you don’t vote, you don’t have a say in how things are run.”