20 Mar 2008
‘Make sure nothing stops you’ is the message of an eye-catching campaign to raise awareness of the importance of registering to vote by 16 April if you want to have your say in the local government elections in England on 1 May.
The humorous multi-media campaign will kick off on Monday 24 March and has been created by the Electoral Commission to engage the public and make sure that they are both on the electoral register by 16th April, and to give them information on when, where and how to vote.
One advert follows Richard Thomas, who wants to vote for his councillor who has improved recycling in his area. Unfortunately, as Richard is walking into his polling station on 1st May, he is tackled to the ground by a rugby player wearing a ‘not registered’ jersey. Richard didn’t register to vote. The advertising highlights that if you want to vote, make sure nothing stops you. Register to vote by April 16 either by calling your local electoral registration office or going to aboutmyvote.co.uk.
The adverts will run on ITV and Channel 4 and will be supported by radio, press, outdoor and online advertising.
Local elections are taking place in 154 authorities across England on 1 May and are your chance to have your say on who is elected to your local council. Council have responsibility for a number of functions in a local area including recycling, transport and leisure facilities.
Nina Ziaullah, Head of Campaigns and Public Information, at the Electoral Commission, said: "If you are not on the electoral register by 16 April, you won’t be able to vote on 1 May. Voting is your chance to have your say on the things that matter to you in your area, including leisure facilities, transport and recycling. Don't let anything stop you voting – it’s really easy to register. All you need to do is contact your council or go to www.aboutmyvote.co.uk, download a form, sign it and return it by 16 April”.
/ends
For further information contact
The Electoral Commission press office on 0207 271 0704
Out of office hours 07789 920414
Email press@electoralcommission.org.uk
Notes to Editors
1. Images from the advert are available on request.
2. The Electoral Commission is an independent body set up by the UK Parliament. Our aim is integrity and public confidence in the democratic process. We set the standards for running elections and report on how well this is done. We also make sure people understand it is important to register to vote, and know how to vote. Our other roles include registering political parties, making sure people understand and follow the rules on party and election finance and publishing details of where parties and candidates get money from and how they spend it.
