Bath and North East Somerset residents who are not already registered to vote are being urged to register by midnight this Thursday (13 April) to make sure they can have their say in the first West of England Combined Authority Mayoral election on 4 May.
Only people who are registered to vote will be able to choose their candidate to become the first West of England Combined Authority Mayor next month.
The new West of England Combined Authority has control of a devolution deal worth more than £1bn over the next 30 years, with power and money previously administered by Westminster now available locally. The new Mayor will work with the leaders of Bath & North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire Councils, and the Mayor of Bristol to make decisions over investment and strategy for regional infrastructure including homes, transport, business growth and adult skills provision.
Registering to vote can be done in minutes online. Visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote with your National Insurance number and follow the on-screen instructions.
Maria Lucas, Local Returning Officer for Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “The 4th May election will give residents in Bath and North East Somerset the chance to make their choice on who will become the first West of England Combined Authority Mayor.
“If you’re not registered to vote then you can’t have your say. People who are registered should recently have received their poll card, so if you haven’t had one give the Council a call and check your status. If you need to register, there’s still time to visit the Register to Vote website before the end of Thursday to be a part of this historic regional election.”
Residents in Bath and North East Somerset who are uncertain whether they are currently registered to vote, should call Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Electoral Services Team on 01225 477 333.
More information about the West of England Combined Authority Mayoral election is available at www.wevote.org.uk. Next week every elector will receive a booklet with information about the election and the candidates.
