Would be voters urged not to miss out
(Date of issue: Friday, 1 May 2009)
Carlisle residents who want to have their say in the forthcoming
European Elections are being reminded that they have until Tuesday,
19 May to register to vote.
More than five million people across the North West of England
will have the opportunity to vote in the elections on June 4 and
choose the region’s eight Members of the European Parliament
(MEPs).
The European Parliament plays a role in making European Union
(EU) laws and also has a say over the EU’s annual budget. The eight
MEPs who are elected will represent the region on issues including
environmental protection, consumer rights, energy policy and
transport.
But people will only be able to vote if they are on the
electoral register. Carlisle City Council is joining forces with
The Electoral Commission during national Register to Vote Week from
4-10 May to make sure nothing stops eligible residents from using
their vote.
Residents are not automatically on the electoral register
because they pay Council Tax or have other dealings with the
council. Anyone who wants to check whether they are on the
register, or request an application form, should contact 01228
817555 or 01228 817556, email elections@carlisle.gov.uk or call in
person at the Civic Centre. Application forms need to be received
by 5pm on 19 May for people to be eligible to vote in the European
Parliamentary Elections.
Sir Howard Bernstein, Regional Returning Officer for the North
West, said:
“This election gives people the chance to elect
the people who will represent them in the European Parliament for
the next five years. It is important to make sure that nobody loses
out on their right to vote because they are not registered.”
Anyone who is on the electoral register can choose to register
to vote by post. Applications for a postal vote in the forthcoming
European Parliamentary Elections must also be received by Carlisle
City Council by no later than 5pm on 19 May.
Karen Quaintmere, Head of English Regions at the Electoral
Commission, said:
“Registering to vote is important because it
means you can have a say on the issues that affect you, from the
environment to international trade and transport.”
For more information about the European Elections in the North
West visit www.northwestvotes.gov.uk