Final Calls for Voter Registration as Deadline Looms

With only ten days left until the registration deadline, South Tyneside residents are urged to protect their right to vote in the forthcoming elections this May.

The Local Government and Police and Crime Commissioner elections are only four weeks away, with seats in all 18 wards across the Council and the Commissioner's seat on Northumbria Police Force being contested.

But if people are not registered in time, they will be unable to cast their vote on Election Day - Thursday 6 May 2021.

South Tyneside Council is urging those who are not yet on the electoral register to register by the deadline of Monday 19 April to ensure they can take part in the elections. Anyone can apply online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

In the current circumstances, the Council is encouraging electors, particularly those who have previously been asked to shield, to consider voting by post in May.  Applying for a postal vote will give voters the confidence of being able to take part in the 2021 elections, no matter what the situation with regards to coronavirus.

The deadline to apply to vote by post is 5pm on Tuesday 20 April 2021. 

John Rumney, South Tyneside Returning Officer, said: "Residents don't have much time left to make sure they can take part in the local elections.

"These elections are an opportunity for people to make their voices heard and have a say on who represents them on issues directly affecting their everyday life in South Tyneside. But those who are not registered by 19 April will not be able to vote.

"Registering to vote is really quick and easy. It can be done online in a matter of minutes. We are urging anyone who is not registered, to do so as soon as possible to help protect their right to vote. After the deadline, it will be too late."

South Tyneside Council is supporting the Electoral Commission's Got 5? Voter registration campaign, which highlights how quick and easy it is to register to vote online.

Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance at the Electoral Commission, said: "You can't have your say in these important elections unless you are registered to vote. It's quick and easy - it takes just five minutes online at www.gov.uk/registertovote

"If you have recently turned 18 or moved home, it is particularly important that you act to ensure that you are registered to vote."

Those who were registered to vote in the last elections and whose details have not changed will still be registered to vote and will have received a poll card to confirm this.

Residents who have not registered at their current address need to make sure they are registered in time - by Monday 19 April.

Voters have a range of options for casting their ballot - in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote. For those who choose to vote in person, polling stations will be safe places to vote on 6 May.

The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Tuesday 20 April, and for a proxy vote the deadline is 5pm on 27 April.

Anyone who is in doubt, has difficulties accessing the internet or would like to register over the phone, can call South Tyneside Council's Elections Team on (0191) 424 7230.

Further information about elections in South Tyneside visit the Council's website at www.southtyneside.info/elections