Remember to vote – no vote, no voice

All Blackburn with Darwen residents who are registered to vote are being encouraged to go to the polls next week for the local and general elections.

The Council’s dedicated election helpline hours are being extended in the run up to election day to help make sure everybody gets the support they need to vote.

It is not just the parliamentary elections taking place on Thursday, May 7, the Blackburn with Darwen local elections are also being held which give people the chance to have a say on how the area is run.

Polling stations across the borough will open on the day at 7am and close at 10pm. Postal votes are already being issued and returned.

The count for the general election will take place from Thursday night into early Friday morning and the local elections count takes place on Friday, May 8.

Harry Catherall, Acting Returning Officer for the parliamentary elections and Returning Officer for the local elections, said:

If you are registered but don’t use your vote you miss the chance to have a say in how things are run in your community and in the country.

Every vote can make a difference, and the right to vote in elections is an essential part of being a member of an open and democratic society. I would urge all residents to exercise that freedom and have their say.

Also remember to make use of your postal vote if you have chosen to vote in this way. There is no point leaving it lying on the mantelpiece or dining room table.  Anybody who finds it complicated or has any questions at all can ring for support. “

For further information contact the voting helpline on (01254) 585920, email voting@blackburn.gov.uk or look on the Council website.