Shropshire residents urged to register vote for upcoming elections

They are being held for Shropshire Council, for town and parish councils, and for the West Mercia Police & Crime Commissioner, and people are being reminded that they need to register by the deadline of Monday April 19 if they want to vote.

Voters have a range of options for casting their ballot – in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote.

For those who choose to vote in person, polling stations will have social distancing measures in place, and people are being asked to bring their own pen or pencil.

The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on April 20, and for a proxy vote the deadline is 5pm on April 27. People wishing to apply are encouraged to do so as soon as possible.

Claire Porter, director of legal and democratic services with Shropshire Council said: “Time is running out to make sure you can take part in elections this May, so I’d encourage everyone in the Shropshire Council area to act now if they’re not already registered to vote. It’s quick and easy to register, but after the deadline of April 19 it will be too late.

“If you were registered to vote in the last election and your details have not changed, you don’t need to take any action. If in doubt, please contact us on 03456789015.”

Ailsa Irvine, director of electoral administration and guidance at the Electoral Commission, added: “You can’t have your say in these important elections unless you are registered to vote. It’s quick and easy – it takes just five minutes online.

“If you have recently turned 18 or moved home it is particularly important that you act to ensure that you are registered to vote.”

To register to vote, visit gov.uk/register-to-vote