Wirral residents urged to register to vote in time to have their say in May

On Thursday 6 May residents in Wirral will have their say on who represents them at local council elections, the Liverpool City Region mayoral election as well as Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner. 

In order to vote in these important elections, residents must be on the electoral register. With the deadline to register to vote fast approaching, Wirral Council is urging people who have not registered at their current address to make sure they are registered in time. 

The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Monday 19 April. It takes just five minutes to apply online at gov.uk/register-to-vote. This year residents in Wirral will be voting in a total of three different elections and will select: 

• Councillors, who represent their local area and residents, and contribute to the development of policies in areas such as transport, social care or housing 
• A combined authority mayor for the Liverpool City Region, who is elected to lead a group of councils working together on issues that affect the whole area, such as transport and housing 
• The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), who oversees your local police force and ensures they are prioritising what matters to you 

 Kate Robinson, Electoral Services Manager for Wirral Council said, “Time is running out to make sure you can take part in these elections. They are an opportunity to make your voice heard and have a say on who represents you on issues that directly affect day-to-day life here in Wirral. If you’re not registered by 19 April, you won’t be able to vote.” 

Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance at the Electoral Commission said, “You can’t have your say in these important elections unless you are registered to vote. It’s quick and easy – it takes just five minutes online at www.gov.uk/registertovote. 

“If you have recently turned 18 or moved home, it is particularly important that you act to ensure that you are registered to vote.  

“If you were registered to vote in the last election and your details have not changed, you don’t need to take any action. If in doubt, you can check with your local authority on 0151 691 8046.” 

Voters have a range of options for casting their ballot – in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote. For those who choose to vote in person, polling stations will be safe places to vote on 6 May.  

The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on 20 April, and for a proxy vote the deadline is 5pm on 27 April.  

For information on elections in their area, how to register to vote, or how to apply to vote by post or by proxy, voters can visit www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voter. This page will continue to be updated ahead of the polls.  

The following table shows Wirral Council candidates so far declared (italics denote the sitting councillor):

Bebington

Bidston and St James

Birkenhead and Tranmere

Bromborough

Clatterbridge

Claughton

Eastham

Greasby, Frankby and Irby

Heswall

Hoylake and Meols

Leasowe and Moreton East

Liscard

Moreton West and Saughall Massie

New Brighton

Oxton

Pensby and Thingwall

Prenton

Rock Ferry

Seacombe

Upton

Wallasey

West Kirby and Thurstaston