In Plain Language, Make Sure You Are Registered To Vote - Elliott
Ulster Unionist Assembly member for Fermanagh & South Tyrone, Tom Elliott MLA has praised the initiative by the Chief Electoral Officer for NI that registering to vote has become easier with a simplified form which is now available in eight different languages.
Tom said: “The languages the forms are now available include, Ulster Scots, Irish, Mandarin, Polish , Latvian, Cantonese and Lithuanian and this reflects the increasing diverse society that are currently living in Northern Ireland.
From this year, no longer will forms be collected by electoral canvassers and will now be working on a system of continuous registration. This means that the Register published on 1 December 2006 will be continually updated using information obtained from electors and other government bodies.
It is imperative as we start a new university term that students and those who will attain 18 over the next year are registered and if in doubt check with your local Area Electoral Office. There are still a considerable number of people who are not registered on the current register and would urge them as we approach a possible election to make certain they are registered and not wait until an election is announced. A Freephone number is open each weekday to gain advice (0800 4320712)
It is interesting to note the number of foreign nationals who have been added to the electoral register over the past three months. This is clearly demonstrated in Dungannon district and are showing their desire to play a full part in our democratic process. Indeed in certain wards there are more foreign nationals being added to the register than indigenous people?”
Tom concluded: “I would encourage everyone to make sure that they are on the electoral register so that they can have their say in the political future of Northern Ireland”