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April news

Candidates for 1 May election announced

Names of people standing for election to Portsmouth City Council next month have now been released.

Elections are being held on Thursday 1 May for one third of the council's 42 seats - one in each of the 14 electoral wards. Three councillors represent each ward.

To see the list of names, and more election information, go to http://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/yourcouncil/10694.html

Anyone wanting to get on to the register of electors - such as new residents and students temporarily living in Portsmouth - has until 5pm on Wednesday 16 April to register to vote.

That is also the deadline for requesting a apply for a new postal vote or to change or cancel an existing absent vote facility.

The last day for new applications to vote by proxy is 23 April.

John Haskell, the council's Democratic Services Manager, said: "If people are not on the register, or have just moved to the area, we would invite them to contact us as quickly as possible so we can send them a registration form. This needs to be completed and returned to us by no later than 5pm on 16 April.

"We'd also like to remind students who may be temporarily living in the city while they study here that they are fully entitled to vote here, but that they too also need to be included on the register.

"Anyone with any enquiries can contact our Election Services Office on (023) 9283 4074 or email elections@portsmouthcc.gov.uk"

Did you know that registering to vote can help you:

open a bank account
get a mortgage
buy a mobile phone
get a loan or a store card?

Mr Haskell said: "We want people to use their vote because we believe it is one of the most effective ways for them to have their say and to influence local services.

"But there are a number of other potential advantages in registering to vote. Many credit reference agencies check the register to see if applicants are on there. Failure to be on the register could delay or harm people's applications for a loan or to open a bank account."

Date : 08 April 2008