It’s just five weeks until millions of European citizens take to the ballot box to elect MEPs to the European Parliament in Brussels.
This week (Monday 15 April) signalled the start of the official countdown to the vote as the Notice of Election was published. In the United Kingdom, the election is currently scheduled to take place on Thursday 23 May, however this is dependent upon the UK’s continued membership of the EU.
That means if you have aspirations to stand as a candidate you’ll need to collect and return nomination papers soon and if you intend to vote you’ll need to make sure you are registered.
The Notice of Election is on the Council’s homepage (https://www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/council/elections-and-voting/european-parliamentary-elections-2019) and is available from local libraries for anyone who wants to see it.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Potential candidates need to collect nomination papers from the Election Office, City Chambers, High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1YJ and return them with a £5,000 deposit by 4pm on Thursday 25 April 2019.
- Anyone wishing to vote on 23 May needs to be registered to vote by midnight on Tuesday 7 May. It’s easy sort it out if you are not. Check out https://www.yourvotematters.co.uk/ for more details and for an application form if you need one. Completed application forms should be returned to the Electoral Registration Officer.
East Dunbartonshire Council's Chief Executive and Local Returning Officer for the election, Gerry Cornes, said, “The current situation is such that preparations are underway for the administration of the European Parliament elections on 23 May.
“If you are eligible to vote then this is the time to make sure you are registered in order to ensure that you can take part in the election next month. Please act now to avoid disappointment nearer the time.
"If you are not registered, then you can’t vote. It’s your vote, don’t lose it.”
If you are not sure if you are registered to vote and would like to check, you can contact the Electoral Registration Officer for East Dunbartonshire by calling 0141 562 1200 or e-mailing Ero-edc@dab-vjb.gov.uk You can also write to East Dunbartonshire Council
Electoral Registration Officer, Dunbartonshire and Argyll & Bute VJB, 235 Dumbarton Road, Clydebank, G81 4XJ.
Once registered there are options about how you cast your vote:
- If you do not think you can make it along to a polling place on Thursday 23 May or if you would simply prefer to cast your vote by post in advance then you must apply for a postal vote. The deadline for this is Wednesday 8 May at 5pm. You can find out more and download and application form at www.yourvotematters.co.uk
- If you would like to nominate someone else to place your vote for you then you must apply for a proxy vote. The deadline for this is Wednesday 15 May at 5pm. You can find out more and download and application form at www.yourvotematters.co.uk
Completed Postal Vote and Proxy Applications should be returned to the Electoral Registration Officer.
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