Voters urged to return their registration forms
Thursday, September 28 2006
Scottish Borders Council Electoral Registration Officer, Les Walker is urging householders across the Borders to complete and return their annual canvass of electors forms.
The completed forms will be used to compile this years Register of Electors (the Voters Roll), and only those electors whose names are included in the Register will be able to vote at the Local Government and Scottish Parliament elections in May 2007.
Les Walker explained, “For most residents it is a two-minute job to fill in the form, sign it and return it in the prepaid envelope. However, we find that a significant number of householders do not return their forms. We have to ensure that everyone who is eligible to vote has their names included in the Register of Electors, and this year, as a result of new legislation, canvassers will have to travel round homes in Scottish Borders that have not responded to the postal canvass, gathering information and signatures. This exercise is very expensive, and it’s the taxpayer who pays.”
SBC Leader David Parker, said, “May 2007 is your chance to have your say, both about who runs Scottish Borders Council and who runs the Scottish Executive at Holyrood. Next year will be a particularly exciting poll because you will be voting for new multi-member wards and using a new voting system using proportional representation. Completing the electoral registration form ensures that your name is on the Register of Electors and that you can make your voice heard.”
Every eligible elector, whether he or she is a student living in shared accommodation, a member of a Commonwealth country or a migrant worker from the European Union, must register to have the opportunity to vote at either or both of these elections.
Anyone may request a canvass form, or guidance on the electoral registration process, in a language other than English by contacting the Electoral Registration Officer at the telephone number below.
If you belong to one of the following groups, you are eligible to vote in the next May’s elections: Citizens of the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Commonwealth and the EU.
Where to get help/more info: Electoral Registration Officer: 01835 825100 or online Information is also available on the Electoral Commission website: www.electoralcommission.org.uk.
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