South Gloucestershire Council

Published: 16/03/2016

As a major national advertising campaign is launched across England to encourage voter registration ahead of Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) elections, South Gloucestershire Council is encouraging local people to visit www.avonpccelection2016.org.uk/register-to-vote to register to vote.

On Thursday 5 May, voters in England will go to the polls to elect a Police and Crime Commissioner. Registering now for the elections in May will also mean voters are registered in good time before the referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Union on 23 June.

The Electoral Commission today launched its national voter registration campaign to remind people to register by the deadline of Monday 18 April 2016.

John McCormack, Electoral Registration Officer for South Gloucestershire, said: “Time is running out to make sure you can take part in these elections, so I’d encourage everyone in South Gloucestershire to register now if you have not done so already. Our message is simple: you can’t vote, if you are not registered by 18 April. It’s easy and only takes a few minutes online – just head to www.avonpccelection2016.org.uk/register-to-vote.”

Ben Brook, Head of the Electoral Commission, English Regions, said: “Our public awareness campaign across England aims to encourage anyone not yet registered, to do so as soon as possible. Our research shows that young people, students and recent home movers are less likely to be registered to vote. If you’re not registered you won’t be able to have your say on issues that directly affect your day-to-day life in South Gloucestershire.
“Registering is quick and easy to do online at www.avonpccelection2016.org.uk/register-to-vote but you only have until Monday 18 April if you want to vote in the important elections in England this May.”

Could you be a Police and Crime Commissioner?
Are you interested in standing as a PCC candidate? The Police Area Returning Officer, who has responsibility for the administration of the election in the Avon and Somerset Police Area, will hold a briefing for prospective candidates and agents in the Guildhall, High Street, Bath BA1 5AW, at 2pm on Monday 21 March 2016.

Information and advice, including the forms you need to complete and a timetable of events, can be found on the PCC 2016 election website www.avonpccelection2016.org.uk/standing-as-a-candidate.