Be prepared for polls, says Electoral Commission

Be prepared for polls, says Electoral Commission

With nearly 5000 contested local council seats, three mayoral elections and 10 mayoral referendums taking place across Great Britain on 3 May, the Electoral Commission - the independent elections watchdog - is reminding voters to be prepared.

“Preparation is key to make sure you don’t miss out on 3 May,” said Samantha Mills, Head of Campaigns at the Electoral Commission. “It’s important to know where your polling station is, the opening times and how to cast your vote. It’s also essential to take care of your vote, especially if voting by post – so please fill in your ballot papers privately and return them as soon as possible.

"If you have any questions you can visit our website, www.aboutmyvote.co.uk, or call our helpline on 0800 3 280 280. It’s your vote, don’t lose it by being unprepared.”

Our advice is:

Visit our website www.aboutmyvote.co.uk contains information about how to vote, including a virtual polling station walkthrough and an explanation of voting systems. We also have a helpline on 0800 3 280 280 if you have any further questions.

Return your postal vote on time Postal votes are usually sent out about a week before election day. Once you’ve got it, fill in your ballot paper by following the instructions at the top. Make sure you send it back so that it arrives by close of poll (which is 10pm on 3 May). If it arrives later than this your vote won’t be counted.

Ask polling station staff Staff will help you with any practical issues, but will not be able to help you decide how to cast your vote. Remember to follow the instructions on the ballot paper or your vote may not be counted.

Plan when to vote Polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 3 May. Make sure you arrive in good time. By law, polling station staff cannot give out ballot papers after 10pm, even if you are in the polling station. Details of where your polling station is can be found on your poll card. You don't need this to vote, but it can help to speed up the process if you have it with you.

Visit the Rochdale Online Local Election Special 2012 we have invited candidates to submit their election 'pitch'; that is, why they believe they should be a ward councillor and why you should vote for them.