BIG reminder to use your vote

A BIG reminder is set to encourage Herefordshire residents to make their mark and vote at the forthcoming local elections on May 3.

A publicity campaign is to kick off in a big way – with a giant poster on the wall of Herefordshire Council’s planning building, Blueschool House, which will be seen by many of the thousands of motorists who use Hereford’s busy ring road every day.

“Residents of Herefordshire did the county proud at the last local elections,” said Neil Pringle, the Returning Officer – the person responsible for the smooth running of the elections.

“Around 60 per cent of those who were eligible to vote did so. This was a fantastic effort as it put us on the map nationally as we had the highest turnout in the country.

“The difference this time is that we’re back to the traditional voting system using polling stations,” added Neil.

“It means we’ll be dusting down the ballot boxes and getting them ready for use again.”

During the previous elections, held in 2003, Herefordshire Council was a pilot area for postal voting. Although this proved immensely popular with Herefordshire’s residents, government has not made a decision to introduce postal voting nationally.

“This is a great shame. Although there were problems with postal voting at one or two other pilot areas, it worked well in Herefordshire.

“This year we want even more people to cast their vote – but we want them to realise we’re back to polling stations on Thursday, May 3.

“It’s the chance people have once every four years to decide who will make key decisions which affect every avenue of life – whether they’re young or old, single or married, working or not, the decisions made by local councillors effect every life in the county.

“The councillors elected on May 3 will be in office for four years – so there will not be another chance to vote for your local council until May 2011. I would encourage residents to find out which candidates are standing, find out what they are standing for and exercise their democratic right on May 3,” added Neil.

The list of candidates standing in each ward will be published by Wednesday, April 11, so everyone can find out who is standing in their area.

As well as voting for Herefordshire Council, elections also take place on the same day for parish and town councils.

Although the elections on May 3 mark a return to traditional ballot boxes and polling stations, people can still take advantage of postal voting – but they will have to register to vote in this way.

Applications for a new postal vote must reach the electoral registration office by 5pm on Wednesday, April 18.

Anyone wanting a proxy vote will need to apply for this before by 5pm on Wednesday, April 25. Residents can do this by telephoning (01432) 260107 or email  - elections@herefordshire.gov.uk