On Thursday 2 May residents in Wyre Forest will go to the polls to have their say on who represents them at a local level.

All 33 seats on Wyre Forest District Council will be contested. This is because the council is moving to ‘all out’ elections, meaning all seats are up for election every four years. There are also parish council elections and Stourport-on-Severn and Bewdley town council elections.

Poll cards are being delivered to everyone who is registered to vote. They should arrive in the post by Monday 1 April 2019. Anyone who is not sure if they are registered at their current address (for example because they have moved since the elections in May 2018) must register by midnight on Friday 12 April 2019. It is quick and easy to do online by visiting www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.  Anyone without access to the internet can get a paper copy of the registration form from the Customer Service Centre at the Town Hall in Kidderminster.

Voters can also vote by post or proxy. Anyone can apply for a postal vote which allows voters much greater flexibility about when they complete their ballot paper.  Anyone not already registered for a postal or proxy vote will need to complete an application form, which is available from www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/voting.  The deadline for new postal voting requests is 5.00pm on Monday 15 April.  For proxy votes it is 5.00pm on Wednesday 24 April. 

The polling stations for the elections will be open between 7am and 10pm on Thursday 2 May 2019. All registered electors will be sent a polling card which will tell them where they can cast their vote.

Anyone interested in standing in the election will need to submit signed nomination papers by 4.00pm on Wednesday 3 April. More information about becoming a councillor and nomination packs are available at www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/beacouncillor or by calling Electoral Services on 01562 732733.

Ian Miller, Electoral Registration Officer for Wyre Forest said:

“If you are not already on the electoral register, please take 5 minutes and register to vote. These elections are an opportunity to make your voice heard and have a say on who represents you on issues that directly affect day-to-day life here in the district. It is really important this year as we move to the ‘all out’ system of elections for the district council. Whoever gets elected will be your representative for the next four years. If you’re not registered by 12 April, you won’t be able to vote.”

Chris Hinde, Electoral Commission Regional Manager for the Midlands, said:

“If you have recently turned 18 or moved home, it is particularly important that you act to ensure that you are registered to vote. It takes just five minutes online and means that you can take part in this important election.”

The count will be held on Friday 3 May at Wyre Forest Leisure Centre.