HAVE YOUR SAY - Register to Vote Today...!!

If I had a penny for every time I have knocked on someone’s door and had to explain that you actually have to be registered to vote before you can do so, I would be a very rich man! If I had another penny for every time someone has responded, “but I pay my Council Tax”, I would be laughing!

With a General Election expected in May next year, I am working with Epping Forest District Council’s Electoral Registration Officer, Ian Willett, to ensure that as many people over the age of 18 are registered to vote in Epping Forest and have their say in who their MP should be and who forms this country’s next Government.

Ian Willett said: “It’s simple to register, all you have to do is complete the annual canvass form that will be coming through your letter box shortly and you’ll be able to help choose the people that make the decisions which affect your everyday life. For some people, this may be the first General Election that they get to take part in and they may be worried about what to do. Last year many young people who were 18 by June 2009 couldn’t vote because their names hadn’t been added to the canvass form. All 16 and 17 year olds should give their name and date of birth so they can vote as soon as they become 18. You can find out more by calling the Electoral Services helpline on 01992 564411.”

The rules are pretty simple: If you’re not registered to vote, you can‘t vote! The sensible thing to do is ensure you are registered. Whether or not you decide to vote on the day is up to you, but if you don’t register now, it will be too late!