Published on 5th May 2015

Polling station sign, large black lettering on white background secured to iron railings

There are only a few days to go until elections take place and 77,286 people in Cheltenham are eligible to vote in the UK Parliamentary election.

We want to remind local residents that their vote is important and to make sure they are fully prepared for Thursday 7 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 parliamentary election in 2010 saw a turnout of 67%. Andrew North, Acting Returning Officer for Cheltenham Borough Council is reminding people that they need to vote on 7 May if they are to have their say at the election. He said: “The UK parliamentary election is a chance for residents to decide who is best placed to shape the future of Cheltenham and represent their wishes as an MP in the House of Commons. Not only that, it will also shape which political party they want to run the country. Cheltenham residents must vote on 7 May to ensure their views are represented.

“We also want to encourage residents in the Battledown ward to have a say in who they want to represent them in their ward. Ward councillors provide a vital link between the local authority and the communities in which they serve.”

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 7 May. To find your polling station, visit www.cheltenham.gov.uk/elections. Residents in the Charlton Park ward now have a new polling station at the Cheltenham Community Fire and Rescue Station on Keynsham Road. Residents in the Hesters Way ward also have a new polling station and will need to vote at YMCA Sports, Cassin Drive.

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