Register to Vote

Residents of South Tyneside are urged to make sure they are registered to vote ahead of the Local Government Elections in May.

On Thursday 5 May, residents will go to the polls to have their say on who represents them on South Tyneside Council.

Local government elections select councillors, who are responsible for making decisions on council services, such as housing, education, transport, planning, parks, leisure, public safety, social care and waste management. 

To vote in these important elections, residents must be on the Electoral Register. Residents who have not registered at their current address need to make sure they are registered in time.

The deadline to register to vote in the local elections is Thursday 14 April. Anyone can apply online at www.gov.uk/registertovote    

Jonathan Tew, South Tyneside's Returning Officer, said: "These elections are an important opportunity for people to make their voices heard and have a say on who represents them on issues that directly affect their day-to-day life in South Tyneside. Unfortunately, those who are not registered by 14 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 elections unless you are registered to vote. Registering is easy and only takes five minutes.

"If you have recently turned 18 or moved home, it is particularly important to make sure you are correctly registered to vote. If you were registered to vote in the last election and your details have not changed, you don't need to take any action. If in doubt, you can check with your local authority on (0191) 424 7230."

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.

The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Tuesday 19 April and for a proxy vote the deadline is 5pm on 26 April.

For further information about elections in South Tyneside visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/elections or contact South Tyneside Elections Office on (0191) 424 7230.

More details on how to register to vote, or how to apply to vote by post or proxy, voters can visit www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voter