Call for Cheltenham residents to make sure they vote on 22 May

88,958 people are eligible to vote in the Cheltenham Borough elections and 86,692 are eligible to vote in the European Parliamentary elections.

We want to remind local residents that their vote is important and to make sure they are fully prepared for Thursday 22 May. It is particularly important for those voting by post to fill in their ballot papers privately and return them as soon as possible.

The borough election in 2012 saw a turn out of 31%. Andrew North, Returning Officer for Cheltenham Borough Council is reminding people that they need to vote on 22 May if they are to have their say at the elections. He said: “At a time when central government is cutting money to local governments across Britain your local representatives work hard to ensure services are maintained in Cheltenham.

“Cheltenham Borough Council is responsible for a range of key services; including parks and gardens, bin collections (via Ubico, the council’s environmental service provider), environmental health, car parks and planning. Local elections are your chance to decide who is best placed to shape the future of the council and represent your wishes in your local community.

“You must vote to ensure your views are represented, so make sure you go out and vote on 22 May and get your views heard.”

In the run-up to the polls, Cheltenham Borough Council, the police and the Electoral Commission have been working to prevent and detect any cases of electoral fraud.

Electoral fraud is rare, but it is a serious offence. We are urging anyone who has evidence it may be taking place to report it to the police for investigation.

Have your say and vote on Thursday 22 May. To find your polling station, visit the council's website.

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For press enquiries, contact: Kelly Carter, communications officer, telephone 01242 264154 or email: [email protected]