11 May 2009, 09/100
European Elections: would-be voters
urged not to miss out
West Lancashire residents who want to have
their say in the forthcoming European Elections are being reminded
that they have until Tuesday 19 May to register to vote.
More than five million people across the North
West of England will have the opportunity to vote in the elections
on June 4 and choose the region's eight Members of the European
Parliament (MEPs).
The European Parliament plays a role in making
European Union (EU) laws and also has a say over the EU's annual
budget. The eight MEPs who are elected will represent the region on
issues including environmental protection, consumer rights, energy
policy and transport.
But people will only be able to vote if they
are on the electoral register. West Lancs District Council is
joining forces with the Electoral Commission during national
Register to Vote Week from 4-10 May to make sure nothing stops
eligible West Lancashire residents from using their vote.
Residents are not automatically on the
electoral register because they pay Council Tax or have other
dealings with the council. Anyone who wants to check whether they
are on the register, or request an application form, should contact
the Elections Office ,52 Derby Street, Ormskirk, L39 2DF tel:01695
585018 or email: electionsoffice@westlancsdc.gov.uk
Application forms need to be received by 5pm on 19 May for
people to be eligible to vote in the European Parliamentary
Elections.
Mr William Taylor, local Returning Officer ,
said: "This election gives people the chance to elect those who
will represent them in the European Parliament for the next five
years. It is important to make sure that nobody loses out on their
right to vote because they are not registered."
Anyone who is on the electoral register can
choose to register to vote by post. Applications for a postal vote
in the forthcoming European Parliamentary Elections must also be
received by West Lancs District Council no later than 5pm on 19
May.
Karen Quaintmere, Head of English Regions at
the Electoral Commission,
said: "Registering to vote is important
because it means you can have a say on the issues that affect you,
from the environment to international trade and transport."
For more information about the European
Elections in the North West visit www.northwestvotes.gov.uk (external
link) or our election pages.
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