Polling cards for local elections will be dropping through the letter boxes of more than 100,000 residents in Stafford Borough.

The cards give information on where people can cast their votes in the elections in May - as well as information on the new voter identification process. 

A number of polls are going ahead on Thursday 4 May with all 40 seats up for grabs on Stafford Borough Council - and elections for several parish councils.

The last day to register to be able to take part in the elections is Monday 17 April and residents can find out how by going to www.staffordbc.gov.uk/how-do-you-register-to-vote 

Electoral Returning Officer, Tim Clegg, who is the Chief Executive of the borough council, urged people to make sure they were registered to vote to take part in the elections.

“The right to vote is the cornerstone of a democratic society and I hope people will not miss out on the opportunity of doing so this May.

“Electing councillors to represent you on local issues is very important as they will take key decisions on how services are provided for residents, businesses and organisations across the borough.” 

He added “It only takes a few minutes to register online and it is very straightforward. There will be a polling station near to wherever you live or you can have a postal vote.” 

New Government rules mean residents wanting to vote will need to show identification at polling stations. A full list of accepted forms of ID can be found at Voter ID | Electoral Commission - and people who do not have any of the accepted identification have until Tuesday 25 April to apply for a free ‘Voter Authority Certificate’ at www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate.            

For more information go to www.staffordbc.gov.uk/elections or email elections@staffordbc.gov.uk or call 01785 619 424. 

Press Release No 6015