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Pop out and vote on 1 May

Pop out for just 20 minutes and make sure your vote counts on Thursday 1 May.

That's the message from the chief executive of Portsmouth City Council, David Williams, ahead of the local council elections this week.

He said: "On average it only takes about 20 minutes to get from your front door to the polling booth. But taking that small amount of time means you have a say in how your council tax is spent.

"Portsmouth City Council runs everyday services including:

• schools
• libraries
• road maintenance
• parking
• rubbish collection
• recycling
• parks
• museums
• pest control
• litter collection

"It's important that everyone takes part in electing the politicians who make decisions about these services.

"This year we have 59 people from a range of political parties and interests standing for election as councillors. One third of the council seats are up for grabs, one in each of the city's 14 wards.  About 134,500 people are eligible to vote.
 
"Polling cards have now been delivered across the city to voters, and they are larger this year to include a map showing where your local polling station is.

"On the day of the election 78 polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm across the city to make voting easier for people who start work earlier or finish late.

"About 300 council staff will be on duty to help make sure it all runs smoothly.

"In the local elections in 2007, 31.5% of eligible voters went to the polls in the city. If you want to have a say in how your city is run, don't forget to use your vote on 1 May.

"If residents have any queries, our election hotline is (023) 9283 4074."

Date : 29 April 2008

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