Sheffield Green Party is urging everyone, whether they are UK, EU or Commonwealth nationals or citizens, to register to vote on National Voter Registration Day, which takes place on Wednesday February 5th.
Campaign group ‘Bite the Ballot’ are organising this year’s campaign, which is timed to mark the anniversary of the 1832 Reform Act which first gave most men the vote. ‘Bite the Ballot!’ hopes as many as 250,000 UK residents – especially younger people – will register to vote on Wednesday. Elections to South Yorkshire councils, plus the European Parliament, will be held on Thursday, May 22nd.
Brian Webster, Broomhill ward candidate and a postgraduate student at The University of Sheffield, comments “Everyone should have a say in who makes the decisions that affect their day-to-day lives – and the first step is to register to vote. I particularly want to see young people engaged in the political process, and politicians who genuinely respond to their needs and concerns. This is about ensuring that all those who can vote are able to exercise that crucial right by registering – at least they then have a choice whether to vote or not, or even to stand for election themselves!”
Sarah Jane Smalley, Central ward candidate and Sharrow resident adds “It’s especially important to encourage disadvantaged people and people from ethnic communities to register to vote. They often aren’t at present, so miss out on chances to vote, which may directly affect their futures.”
Note: For more information, see: http://bitetheballot.co.uk/