Don't lose your voice on local and national issues

Don’t ‘zip it’! If you have opinions about local or national issues and services make sure you can voice them at the next election.

That’s the message from Plymouth City Council as it launches a mass registration campaign.

The ‘don’t lose your voice’ campaign aims to remind people that if they are not on the electoral register they have no voice on local and national issues that affect their daily lives.

This campaign is part of the Council’s co-operative commitment to ensure no one in the city loses their right to vote. Thousands of Plymouth residents are missing out on having their say as they are not on the electoral register.

By not being on the register, residents are not only losing their right to have a say, they will also be affected when applying for credit, whether it’s a loan, mortgage or a mobile phone contract.

Anyone living in Plymouth that has never been registered or has recently moved or changed their name is being urged to get in contact to get their details updated. This can be done by completing a simple registration form that can be found on the Council’s website.

The second part of the campaign will kick off in October when households will receive an electoral registration form asking them to confirm their details. Residents that live at the same address with the same people as last year will be able to confirm their details online or by using an automated phone line.

Chief Executive, Tracey Lee said: “We are all affected by decisions made locally and nationally, whether they are about jobs, roads, rubbish collection, caring for vulnerable residents or ensuring our children get the best chance in life. Elections are an important opportunity for us to influence these decisions.

“There are important local, national and European elections taking place over the next few years and anyone not on the register will be unable to vote for their local councillor, MP or MEP.

“This campaign aims to get this message across and to remind people about how easy it is to register.”

You can register or update your details by completing the form that can be downloaded on www.plymouth.gov.uk/registrationform. You can request a hard copy by calling the elections office on 01752 304866 or from the Civic Centre.