Stroud residents urged to make sure they are registered to vote in EU referendum

The council is asking people to check the Electoral Commission’s voting guide which was delivered to all households in the UK last week, for advice on how to take part.

The referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Union will take place on Thursday June 23.

The guide contains important information for voters on how to register to vote, how to cast their vote, and arguments from the lead campaigners for the ‘Remain’ and ‘Leave’ side.

David Hagg, electoral registration officer for Stroud District Council, said: “Now that voters in our district have received the Electoral Commission’s voting guide, we hope people will feel confident about taking part in the referendum.

“You won’t be able to have a say if you aren’t registered to vote, so if you’re not already on the electoral roll you need to register by June 7.

“You can do so, online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote”.

Voters who are already registered do not need to register again for the EU Referendum.

Emma Hartley, head of campaigns and corporate communications at the Electoral Commission said: “The referendum on 23 June is an opportunity for people to have their say on one of the key political issues of our time.

“Voters have told us that they want accessible and impartial information so that they feel they can make an informed decision at the ballot box.

“We have sent our voting guide to every household across the UK so that as many people as possible feel confident about casting their vote.”

Whilst the guidance leaflet has been posted to homes it can also be viewed online at www.aboutmyvote.co.uk

Around 45.3 million people are eligible to vote on June 23, but the Electoral Commission has warned that millions are not registered to have their say.

Here is all you need to know on how to make sure you’re eligible sand registered to vote.

• Am I eligible to vote in the EU referendum?

All British citizens aged 18 and over who are resident in the UK or have been living overseas for less than 15 years are eligible.

Citizens of Ireland and the 53 Commonwealth nations who are over 18 and resident in the UK are also allowed to cast their vote.

EU citizens living in the UK are not able to vote unless they are from Ireland or the Commonwealth nations of Malta and Cyprus.

• Who can register to vote?

Anyone over 16, although you have to be 18 to vote in England and Wales. This includes British citizens, qualifying Commonwealth citizens (those who have leave to remain in the UK or do not require leave) and citizens of the Republic of Ireland residing in the UK.

• What information do I need?

You will need to give your name, address, date of birth and nationality, as well as your National Insurance number.

If you are not sure what this is, you will be required to provide proof of your identity and proof of your address.

• When is the deadline to register?

The deadline is June 7.

• How do I check if I'm on the register?

Your local electoral registration office can tell you whether or not you are registered.

Call Stroud District Council on 01453 766321.

• Where and when can I vote?

Upon registration, you will be sent a polling card with the details of your nearest polling station. The polls will be open from 7am until 10pm on June 23.

• How do I check if I'm on the register?

Your local electoral registration office can tell you whether or not you are registered. For British or Irish citizens born in Northern Ireland, you will need to contact the registration office for the address for which you were last registered.

• Where and when can I vote?

Upon registration, you will be sent a polling card with the details of your nearest polling station. The polls will be open from 7am until 10pm on 23 June.

• How do I register to vote by post or by proxy?

If you are out of the country or too busy to vote in person, you can make your choice by post.

Once you have registered, you will need to complete a postal vote application form and send it back to your local registration office by 5pm, 11 working days before the referendum.

The ballot papers can then be sent to your address of choice and you need to return them before 10pm on polling day.

There is also an option to vote by proxy – appointing someone you trust to act on your behalf.

You can apply for this if you are abroad on the date of the election, if your work or education means you cannot get to the polling station or if you have a physical condition preventing you from going.

Both you and the person you choose must be registered individually to vote. Again, you will need to print off, sign and send the application form to your local electoral registration office.

The deadline for making a new proxy application is usually 5pm, six working days before the poll, but more details can be found on the form.