Are you ready for this year's general election?
The Council is urging residents not to wait until the date of the general election is announced before registering to vote.
While the date for this year’s general election is not yet known, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council is urging residents not to wait until the date has been announced before they secure their right to vote.
Matter of days
"The time between the election date being announced and the last chance to register to vote can be a matter of a few days", warns Nigel Clifford, Chief Executive and Returning Officer. "If you are not on the electoral register, you won’t be able to vote.”
How to register
Registering to vote only takes a few minutes. You can either print off a Register of Electors form from the Register of Electors page Council's website or telephone the Council's Help Line on 01737 276000.
Register every year
Nigel continued: "Sometimes people don't realise they need to re-register every year. Reigate & Banstead Borough Council sent out registration forms last autumn, but if you are not sure you returned yours, or if you have moved house since then and have not registered with your new details, you need to register now. Don’t let anything stop you having your say on election day."
A General Election can be called at any time, with a minimum of 17 working days between the announcement and polling day. The election must take place by 3 June 2010. The Borough Council Election will be held on 6 May 2010.
You can register to vote if you are a British, Irish, qualifying Commonwealth citizen. You can also register if you are an EU citizen resident in the UK as you are eligible to vote in local elections - but not the General Election.
British citizens living abroad can also register to vote as long as they have been on the electoral register at a UK address no more than 15 years ago. There are also special provisions for those serving abroad to vote.
For more information, go to www.aboutmyvote.co.uk
Last updated : 07/02/2011
