It’s your vote, don’t lose it

The May 2012 elections are just over a month away, but will you be able to have your say? It’s simple: if you’re not on the electoral register you won’t be able to vote. So why not take three minutes now to print off a registration form at www.aboutmyvote.co.uk Our research shows that just 77% of people from BME communities are registered to vote compared to 86% of white people.

Young people and students, who move around more, are also more likely to be missing from the register (only 56% of those aged 19-24 are registered). In addition, only 14% of people who moved into their home after the annual canvass in autumn 2010 were on the electoral register in April 2011.

We also know that almost half of those not registered mistakenly think they are. Remember: just because you pay council tax doesn’t mean you’re registered to vote! These statistics are of obviously of concern. We want everyone who is eligible to vote to be able to have their say on the issues that affect them.

As part of our drive to get more people on the electoral registers we’re holding Register to Vote Day on Tuesday April 3. This marks the official start of our campaign to get as many people on the electoral registers before the elections.

Why not use this chance to double check that you are on the electoral register, or to spread the message amongst your friends and family?

Here’s what you can do: • Tweet a link, or tell your friends and family, that printable registration forms are available from www.aboutmyvote.co.uk • Share our viral ‘ballot box man’ video (available here) on your Facebook page or website and Tweet a link to it.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ibg59Qo_e0I&list=PL0AB2419138BC17F9&index=1&feat...  or shortened version http://bit.ly/HjCLqJ

The deadline to register to vote is Wednesday 18 April: it’s your vote, don’t lose it!

Samantha Mills, Head of Campaigns at the Electoral Commission.