Elections staff go back to college

Elections Staff from Folkestone & Hythe District Council’s elections team went back to college – to encourage students to register to vote.

The Elections staff team spent two days at East Kent College’s Folkestone campus, showing students how easy it is to register and explaining the importance of being on the electoral roll.

Local elections are planned for next year but other elections can take place sooner. For example, there could be a by-election if a councillor or Member of Parliament resigns, and last year showed that a snap General Election can be called when least expected.

Cllr David Monk, Leader of Folkestone & Hythe District Council, said it was important as many people as possible were registered to vote.

We have a strong democratic tradition in this country and taking part in elections is at its heart.
But you do need to be on the electoral roll to be able to have your say, and for your voice to be heard.
Every election we see people who turn up to cast their vote, only to go away disappointed after being told they are not eligible because they did not register. Cllr David Monk, Leader of Folkestone & Hythe District Council

Registering takes just a few minutes and can be done online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or by returning the form sent out by the council each year.

Only people on the electoral roll can vote in local or national elections, providing they also meet other eligibility criteria, and being on the roll can also help with credit checks for mobile phone contracts or credit cards.

College students who signed up on the day were given the opportunity to cast their first vote – for a gift voucher to be won in a prize draw.

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