02 Jul 2009
The Electoral Commission is calling on the residents of Norwich North to make sure they don’t lose their right to vote in the upcoming Norwich North Parliamentary by-election.
In order to vote for the candidate that will represent them at Westminster on Thursday 23 June, voters need to make sure that their details are registered by Wednesday 8 July. This is also the deadline to apply for a postal or proxy vote if they are unable to get to the polling station on 23 June.
“We’re urging people who aren’t already registered to just take a few minutes to go to www.aboutmyvote.co.uk and print off a registration form,” said Karen Quaintmere, Head of English Regions at the Electoral Commission. “At every election, people lose their right to vote because they don’t realise that they have to register to vote or apply for a postal vote before the deadline.
“You might not have decided who you’re going to vote for yet, or even if you are going to vote at all, but if you don’t register in time then you’re robbing yourself of the right to make that choice,” added Karen.
Many residents may have already booked their summer holidays or be away on business on 23 July, but they can still have their say by applying for either a postal or proxy vote, but they must do so by Wednesday 8 July at the latest.
For more information about registering to vote, contact your local registration officer or visit www.aboutmyvote.co.uk.
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For further information or to request an interview contact:
Email: press@electoralcommission.org.uk
Telephone: 020 7271 0704
Out of hours telephone: 07789 920414
Notes to editors:
1. The Electoral Commission is an independent body set up by the UK Parliament. Our aim is integrity and public confidence in the UK’s democratic process. We regulate party and election finance and set standards for well-run elections.
2. Following the resignation of Norwich North Member of Parliament Dr Ian Gibson, there will be a by-election to fill the vacancy on Thursday 23 July 2009.
