Deadline Looms for Voter Registration

With only one week left until voter registration closes for the upcoming local elections, South Tyneside Council is calling on those who have not yet registered to act now before it is too late.

The Local Government Elections are only four weeks away, with seats in all 18 wards across the Council being contested. But if people are not registered to vote they will be unable to cast their vote on Election Day - Thursday 5 May 2022.

South Tyneside Council is urging those who are not yet on the electoral register to apply to register by the deadline of next Thursday (14 April) to protect their right to vote.

The Council is supporting the Electoral Commission's Got 5? campaign highlighting how easy and convenient it is to register to vote online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote It only takes five minutes and people can access it using their computer, smartphone or tablet.

Jonathan Tew, South Tyneside Returning Officer, said: "With only one week to go, time is running out for voters to make sure they can take part in the local elections.

"These elections are an important opportunity for people to make their voices heard and have their say on who represents them on issues that directly affect their day-to-day lives here in South Tyneside.

"In order to be able to vote, residents must be on the electoral register. Unfortunately, those who are not registered by midnight on 14 April, will not be able to take part."

The Council is particularly keen to remind young people that they need to be registered by the closing date to be able to vote next month. Young people can register when they are 16 or 17, so that they will be able to vote as soon as they turn 18. Students who are living away at university can also register at both their term time address and home address.

Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance at the Electoral Commission, said: "You can only take part in the May elections if you're registered to vote, and time is running out. 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 make sure you are correctly registered to vote.

"It 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 in South Tyneside on (0191) 427 7000."

People can apply to register to vote online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. The last day to apply to register to vote for the 2022 local elections is midnight on Thursday 14 April. 

Voters have a range of options. They can vote in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote.

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

Anyone who wants to vote by post should apply as soon as possible to make sure their application is processed early and postal votes can be sent out quicker.

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.

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  More details about registering the vote or applying for a vote by post or by proxy visit www.electoricalcommission.org.uk/voter