Major campaign launched to encourage voters in Shropshire to register ahead of elections in May

As a major national advertising campaign is launched across England to encourage voter registration ahead of the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) elections, Shropshire Council is encouraging local people who are not on the electoral register to visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote to register to vote.

On Thursday 5 May 2016 voters in England will go to the polls to elect a Police and Crime Commissioner.

Registering now for the elections in May will also mean voters are registered in good time before the referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Union on 23 June 2016.

The Electoral Commission has launched its national voter registration campaign to remind people to register by the deadline of Monday 18 April 2016. In England advertising will appear across TV and online on demand video services. This is in addition to the work that is already being carried out across England by the Commission and partner organisations, which started earlier this year.

Claire Porter, Shropshire Council’s electoral registration officer, said:

“Time is now running out to make sure you can take part in these elections, so I’d encourage everyone in Shropshire to take action now if they’re not already registered to vote.

“Our message is simple: you can’t vote, if you aren’t registered by 18 April. It’s easy and only takes a few minutes online – just head to www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.”

Ben Brook, Head of the Electoral Commission, English Regions, said:

“Our public awareness campaign across England aims to encourage anyone not yet registered, to do so as soon as possible. Our research shows that young people, students and recent home movers are less likely to be registered to vote. If you’re not registered you won’t be able to have your say on issues that directly affect your day-to-day life in Shropshire.

“Registering is quick and easy to do online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote, but you only have until Monday 18 April if you want to vote in the important elections in England this May.”

If you have any queries or concerns about registering to vote or the PCC elections, please call 0345 678 9015 or email Shropshire Council’s elections office on elections@shropshire.gov.uk.