16 September 2010
Voters across Eastbourne should have received their annual voter registration forms that could be the difference between having your say and losing your voice on the issues that affect you.
Next year residents will have the opportunity to take part in English local elections and a potential referendum on the voting system for the UK Parliament.
Your local Electoral Registration Office has been sending forms to households in Eastbourne to compile the electoral register that will be the basis for the local authority elections on 5 May 2011 and the proposed UK referendum.
Electoral Registration Officer Robert Cottrill, said, “Registering to vote is simple, quick and easy. Just update the annual canvass form with the details of everyone in your household who is eligible to vote and return the form to us as soon as possible.If your details haven’t changed you can also reply by text, phone or Internet
“This year’s general election was very high profile and we were pleased with the increase in registration shortly before polling day. However, some people may not realise that they have to register every year, by completing the annual canvass form that comes through your door, you can rest assured that your vote will be secured next year.”
Phillippa Saray, Electoral Commission regional manager, said: “Next year will be an important one for voters in England, but you can’t have a say if you’re not on the electoral register.
“We already know that English local elections will be taking place on 5 May 2011 in Eastbourne and the referendum on the voting system for the UK Parliament is planned for the same day, so voters can start making preparations now to ensure they don’t miss out.”
