Swansea residents are being urged to act now to make sure that nothing stops them voting in next month’s General Election.
The move comes as part of a nationwide campaign to urge people to register to vote so that they can have their say in what could be one of the most hotly fought Parliamentary elections in recent history.
On May 6, 183,242 people in Swansea will have the chance to vote on who they want to be their MP and ultimately have a say in who will be Prime Minister.
But to take up the chance they must be on an electoral register by April 20.
The law requires non-registered voters to return their registration forms to Swansea Council in time for the deadline in order to vote.
Anyone unsure if they are registered or would like to register to vote can call the electoral services team at Swansea Council who will be able to check.
Mandy Bebb, Swansea Council Electoral Registration Officer, said: “You can’t vote if you’re not registered and, contrary to popular belief, you won’t be automatically registered just because you pay council tax.
“If you filled in the annual canvass registration form that came through your door between August and November you should be registered. If you were not registered then or your address has changed since you may not be registered to vote.
“It’s simple to check if you’re registered or to register to vote if you’re not. Either contact our office on 01792 636042 or 01792 636719 or visit www.aboutmyvote.co.uk to get all you need- a downloadable registration form and our contact details.
“Once you’ve filled in the form, make sure you send it to back before April 20 to secure your vote.”
You can register to vote if you are:
- 16 or over (but you cannot vote until you are 18)
- A UK, Republic of Ireland or qualifying Commonwealth citizen. Qualifying Commonwealth citizens are those who have leave to enter or remain in the UK or do not require such leave.
- A citizen of a European Union country living in the UK
- A citizen of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or a British Overseas Territory living in the UK.
