Have you registered to vote?
There's still time to register to vote for this year's elections.
People have until 18 April to ensure they are on the electoral register. Failure to do so will mean they will not be able to vote.
On Thursday 5 May voters in Exeter will go to the polls for Exeter City Council as well as the election of a Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Devon and Cornwall.
Local government elections select councillors who are responsible for making decisions on running services in the local area. This includes parks, leisure, housing, planning and waste management. The Police and Crime Commissioner oversees the running of local police forces, including appointing the Chief Constable, setting the local budget and deciding what the priorities should be for the police in their area.
John Street, Electoral Registration Officer for Exeter City Council, said: “2016 is an important year for electors in Exeter as it is the first time in 16 years that all 39 seats on the City Council are up for election at the same time.
"This follows a review of the electoral wards in the city and will mean that voters will be able to vote for three candidates. Only people who are registered can take part in May’s elections, so I am urging people living in Exeter to make sure they are registered to vote, so they don’t miss out on having their say on polling day.
“Registering is easy and you can apply online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote in just a few minutes. You will need your date of birth and national insurance number.”
Ben Brook, Head of English regions at the Electoral Commission, said: “Anyone not yet registered to vote should do so as soon as possible so they will be able to have their say on issues that directly affect their day-to-day lives. It’s important that anyone who is eligible to be on the register, but has not yet registered, does so. The deadline to register to vote is Monday 18 April.”
Those who would prefer can still apply using a paper form. The form can be downloaded from the registration site or alternatively be requested from the City Council. Contact 01392 265141.
