Make sure that you are registered to vote

Voters in North Yorkshire will go to the polls on Thursday, 4 May to elect a new North Yorkshire County Council to represent them for the next four years. The four-yearly elections will cover all 72 County Council seats across 68 divisions. But before election day there are important dates for anyone who is not yet registered to vote or who will not be able to vote in person on the day. Thousands of county residents who are eligible to vote are not registered. If you are not already on the electoral register, you have until 13 April to register or you will not have a vote. If you have not received a poll card by 28 March, you may not be registered. Visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote to register or contact your district council. For people who are registered to vote, but who will not be able to attend a polling station on 4 May, deadlines are also approaching for the submission of postal vote and proxy vote applications. People have until 5pm on Tuesday, 18 April to apply for a postal vote and until 5pm on Tuesday, 25 April for a proxy vote. Again, your district council can help. North Yorkshire County Council Chief Executive Richard Flinton said: “We would urge all eligible residents to ensure that they are registered to vote and to use their vote in the County Council elections on 4 May. “The authority is responsible for many everyday services, including social services for adults and children, roads and public health. “Your vote gives you a say in the shape of the authority at a time of continuing change, as we meet severe financial pressures and transform the way services are delivered, working increasingly closely with communities and other partners.” Standing for election Anyone who wants to stand as a candidate in the 4 May election must submit their nomination by 4pm on Tuesday, 4 April. Each district is holding a briefing to set out the process for prospective candidates and agents ahead of their deadline. The briefings will be:

• Craven,14 March, 5pm, Council Offices, 1 Belle Vue Square, Broughton Road, Skipton.

• Hambleton, 8 March, 5pm, Civic Centre, Stone Cross, Northallerton.

• Harrogate, 8 March, 5.30pm, Council Offices, Crescent Gardens, Harrogate.

•Scarborough, 8 March, 4pm, Town Hall, St Nicholas Street, Scarborough.

• Selby, 15 March, 11am, Civic Centre, Doncaster Road, Selby The Richmondshire and Ryedale briefings have been held, but any prospective candidate can contact the relevant district council for more information. More information about the elections, including all the key dates in the run-up to the vote on 4 May, can be found on the county council website at www. northyorks.gov.uk/elections