19 August 2008m, 08/192
Don’t lose your voice
West Lancashire District Council are encouraging residents to
make sure they register to vote so they don’t lose their voice.
This year it is easier and quicker than ever before to register
with the introduction of a new SMS text messaging service.
From 18 August onwards the Council sent out registration forms
to every household in the district, listing the people that are
currently registered to vote.
The form explains how residents can then choose one of four ways
to reply: they can go to the elections page on our website, call using the
freephone service, post the form back in the usual way or, now,
they can even send an SMS message.
William Taylor, West Lancs Returning Officer, said: "Ensuring
that you are registered to vote and making sure your voice is heard
is extremely important. Plus, with the range of registration
options available it is now even easier for people to guarantee
they are on the electoral roll.
"I encourage everyone to use the services available at their
fingertips. You can click, call or text any time of the day or
night that suits you. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week until 26 November. It’s your vote and your voice so make sure
you can use it!"
Online or on the phone: if all the details on the form are
correct, and you are sure there won’t be any changes before 15
October, you can register online or by telephone. The website
address and telephone number will be given on the form.
When you go online, or use the freephone service, you will be
asked to key in the security code printed on the top of your form.
Then you will be told whether the persons in your household are
currently included in the edited register and you will be asked if
you want to make any changes regarding those that are excluded. You
can also request an application form for a postal vote.
SMS service: if you would like to register a "no change",
meaning all the details on the form are correct, you can text your
specific DDI and security code that are printed on the form to
80212. You will receive a return message confirming your successful
registration.
Post: If the details on the form are incorrect, or if you wish
to include or delete someone, you must amend the form accordingly
and sign and return it in the prepaid envelope.
If you would like more information on registering to vote or
about the electoral register please contact the Electoral Services
Office on 01695 585018 or email elections.office@westlancsdc.gov.uk.
Further information can be found on our election pages.
Related information
> Registering to vote
> The
Electoral Role
> Postal and proxy voting