Residents reminded to register to vote for European Parliamentary elections

There are 751 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and of these 73 represent the UK. Elections for the European Parliament take place every five years.

The polls will take place on Thursday, 23 May if the UK is still in the European Union on this date.

Residents who are registered to vote in Swindon can also apply for a postal vote for the election by Wednesday, 8 May at 5pm, or are able to apply for a proxy vote by Wednesday, 15 May at 5pm.

European Union (EU) citizens living in the borough, who have an entry on the Swindon electoral register, are entitled to vote here instead of their home country if they wish.

EU citizens will receive a letter this week instructing them on how to apply to cast their vote in the UK.

If any residents intend to vote in the European Parliamentary elections in their home country rather than the UK, they should contact the relevant country’s electoral authorities who will advise accordingly. Some EU member states have closed their registration lists so please contact the relevant embassy for advice on the voting options available.

Matt Box, Electoral Services Manager, said “I would encourage EU electors who receive the letter to pay particular attention to the 7 May deadline for the return of the form.”

There is a possibility that the polls will still not take place in the UK, despite confirmation received from the UK Government formally setting the date. If this were to occur then any registration application to cast a vote in the UK will not apply and, if possible, those wishing to vote will need to make alternative arrangements. Anyone who is in this situation is advised to contact their appropriate embassy for further advice on their voting options.

For more information on the European Parliamentary elections visit the Electoral Commission website at yourvotematters.co.uk