Two weeks left to register for May elections

Hull North MP Diana Johnson today reminded Hull voters about the 13 March deadline for registering to vote in time for May's local elections.

Those Hull voters not yet on the electoral register have until 13 March less than two weeks to register so that they can vote for their local council representatives at the polls on 4 May 2006.

With the registration deadline looming, Diana Johnson MP today helped the Electoral Commission launch a campaign urging all those people who are eligible to vote to make sure they are on the electoral register (see photograph attached with this news release).

Names can be added later to the electoral register on a monthly basis, but anyone not registered to vote by 13 March will not be able to vote in the 4 May local elections. An online electoral registration form can be downloaded from www.aboutmyvote.co.uk or from Hull City Council on http://www.labouronline.org/wib/101001/images/uploads/dianajohnsonhttp--....

Peter Wardle, Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission, said, "Many people assume that they'll be automatically registered, but that isn't the case. So if you haven't already received and returned a registration form from your local council, download one at www.aboutmyvote.co.uk

"Politics affects every aspect of our lives, from rubbish collection and road safety to education and care for the elderly. We want to remind people in Hull that they must be registered by 13 March so they don't lose their right to vote."

Diana Johnson MP said: "The right to vote was hard won and I know that local people have many different views to express about council services and how life might be improved in Hull. It is therefore important that they get on the voting list and to use their vote. It's no good complaining afterwards!"

A recent report by the Electoral Commission found that up to 3.7 million people in England and Wales, between 8-9% of the eligible population, did not register to vote in 2000.

You can find out more about elections in your area by going to www.aboutmyvote.co.uk or by contacting your local council to check whether you are registered.