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Wellingborough residents encouraged to vote
Published Thursday 28th April 11
Wellingborough Council is urging people to head to the polls next Thursday to vote in the local elections. The overall turnout at the 2007 election to select borough councillors was just 40%.
The council is now reminding people how important it is that they take the time to vote.
The election is to choose 36 borough councillors, split into 16 wards. In the last election four years ago, the ward with the highest voter turnout was Irchester with 51%. The lowest was Croyland, with just 32% of people turning out to vote.
Polling stations open on Thursday 5 May at 7am and close at 10pm. The council is advising people to get their votes in as early as they can, in case of long queues at the polling station. Ballot papers can't be issued after 10pm even if people have arrived at the building before then. Postal votes can be returned from now, but must be received by 10pm on 5 May.
Joe Hubbard, Wellingborough Council's chief executive and returning officer for the election said: "The local elections are to choose people to represent the borough's residents. Councillors make decisions on local services and how taxpayers' money is spent. It's really important that people take the time to vote, especially as it should only take a few minutes to do so. There are 54 polling stations throughout the borough, including church halls, leisure centres, community centres, village halls, schools, and even a couple of portakabins in a pub car park! So it should be very easy and convenient for people to go along and vote in this important election."
There are 73 candidates standing for election, and a full list is available on the council's website, in the council offices, and at various locations around the borough. The counting of votes will take place after the polls close and it is expected that the 36 councillors will be officially elected by around 3am on Friday 6 May when the result is declared.
Voters on 5 May will also be deciding on parish councillors where applicable (elections are taking place for Earls Barton, Irchester and Wollaston parish councils), as well as the referendum on the alternative vote system. The counting of votes for both the parish council elections and the referendum will take place at 4pm on Friday 6 May.
A review of polling stations was carried out following last year's General Election and some people may find that they have to vote in a different place this year. Anyone who is unsure where to vote can contact the council's elections office on 01933 231 568.