Returning Officer for West Dunbartonshire and West Dunbartonshire Council Chief Executive, David McMillan, said: “For most of the students at the College, this will be the first time they have voted in a UK General Election. Many other young people across West Dunbartonshire will also be eligible to vote for the first time. So if you’re a first time voter, make sure you know how to make your voice heard.”
Electoral Registration Officer David Thomson said: “Everyone should register to vote and use their vote. Young people aged 18-24 are under-represented when it comes to voting. First-time voters should be looking forward to their first experience of voting!”
So, for the first time voter, here’s what you need to know:
1. If you want to vote, you have to be on the electoral register. Your name doesn’t go on the register automatically once you have turned 18, or just because you are paying council tax.
2. To vote in May’s general election, you need to register by 20 April. Registering is quick and straightforward: you can print off a form from www.aboutmyvote.co.uk or call 0800 3 280 280
3. You may be able to register at home and at your term-time address, so wherever you are on election day, you can have your say. But remember, even if you are registered at your home address and at your term-time address, you can still only vote once. Contact the Electoral Registration Officer for further information. Call Freephone on 0800 980 0471.
4. What’s the most convenient way for you to vote? You can vote in person at your local polling station, which is open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 6 May. Once you are on the electoral register, the Returning Officer will send you a card with details of where your polling station is.
5. Alternatively, you can apply to vote by post. This means your ballot paper is sent to your home address ahead of election day. The deadline to request a postal vote is 5pm on 20 April – the application form can be downloaded from the Electoral Registration Officer’s website at www.dab-vjb.gov.uk
6. The other way of having your say is called voting by proxy, where you can choose someone you trust to casts your vote for you. Guess where you’ll find more information? Yes, from the Electoral Registration Office at www.dab-vjb.gov.uk . You can also phone free on 0800 980 0471.
7. When it comes to filling in your ballot paper, simply put an X next to the name of the candidate who you want to represent you as your Member of Parliament. Then sit back and enjoy the drama as the results come in…
Remember – West Dunbartonshire Council staff are here to help you all the way, so do call them on Freephone 0800 587 3905 if you have any questions about the election, and if you want to know more about registering to vote or applying for a postal or proxy vote, call the Electoral Registration Team on Freephone 0800 980 0471.
Don’t let anything stop you having your say on 6 May!
