Are you registered to vote?

Election day is fast approaching, but not everyone in Bristol is registered to vote.

It’s important everyone who is eligible to vote has an opportunity to have their voice heard on election day.

This year, both the UK Parliamentary general election and local election will take place on Thursday, May 7, with people casting their vote at polling stations across the city.

Nicola Yates, returning officer for Bristol City Council, said: “Time is now running short to make sure you can take part in the elections on May 7, so I’d encourage anyone not yet registered to vote to do so as soon as possible. Our message is simple: you can’t vote if you aren’t registered by April 20. 

“It’s easy to do and only takes a few minutes online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or call 0117 922 3400 to get a paper registration form. If you’re already registered, why not get involved in the #RegAFriend campaign and get your family and friends to register. Visit www.bristol.gov.uk/regafriend for more information.”

Young people, students and those who move frequently are much less likely to be registered to vote. It’s important that anyone who is eligible to be on the electoral register but isn’t, takes the opportunity to register now and ahead of the deadline on Monday, April 20 to make sure that you can vote in the general and local elections on May 7.

Students can register to vote at their home and university address. You must, however, vote only once at the same election. Home movers and those without a permanent address can still register. Visit the Bristol City Council website for answers to more common questions about registering to vote and voting.

In the past, one person could register everyone who lived in their household. Now, each person is responsible for registering themselves under the Individual Electoral Registration system.

Look out for your poll card

Poll cards are currently being sent out and anyone who has not received a polling card by the end of next week (Sunday, April 12) is unlikely to be registered to vote. Call 0117 922 3400 or email [email protected] if you’ve not got yours by Monday, April 13.

Who can register to vote?

There are more than 350,000 people over the age of 18 living in Bristol, according to estimates.

Anyone who is a British, Commonwealth or European citizen resident in the UK is eligible to register. Remember, that when registering you’ll need your National Insurance number and date of birth.  Anyone over the age of 16 can register, although only people over the age of 18 can vote this May. 

Not being registered can also impact on applications for credit or mobile phones, since credit reference agencies use the register to validate applications.

Register to vote online

The deadline to register is Monday, April 20. However, it’s important to apply early to make sure your application can be processed.

To register online, visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. For a paper copy of the registration form, contact Electoral Services on 0117 922 3400 or [email protected]. 

Your vote matters, make sure you’re in.

Further information

To keep up to date with all the latest news and information about the May elections in Bristol visit www.bristol.gov.uk/elections.

Photographs reproduced with kind permissions of the Electoral Commission.