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Referendum information to go to 28 million households
Published 31.03.2011 12:59
voting paper image

The Electoral Commission, the independent elections and referendum watchdog, is launching a nationwide public awareness campaign today ahead of a big day for voters on Thursday 5 May. On polling day this year there will be elections to devolved legislatures in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and local elections in England and Northern Ireland. There will also be a referendum on the voting system used to elect MPs.

The Commission is sending out 27.8 million information booklets on the referendum and elections – one to every UK household. This will be supported by an advertising campaign on television and radio, launching on Friday 1 April.

Developed with the help of academics, research with voters and plain language experts, the booklet includes descriptions of both the First Past the Post and Alternate Vote systems, the question voters will be asked in the referendum, and information on how to cast your vote. There will be separate versions of the booklet in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which will provide information on the elections in those areas.

Clinton Proud, Head of Campaigns at the Electoral Commission says: "Thursday 5 May is a big day for voters, with elections across the UK and a referendum on the same day. We’re sending every household in the country a booklet to give voters the information they need to have their say on 5 May. Look out for the booklet dropping through your door from next week or get one from our website, www.aboutmyvote.co.uk."

Voters have until 14 April (15 April in Scotland) to make sure they are on the electoral register and can have their say. Voters can cast their vote in person at polling stations on Thursday 5 May, or by applying to vote by post or proxy.

Forms to register to vote, apply for a postal vote or a proxy vote, can all be found on the Commission’s website: www.aboutmyvote.co.uk or by calling the Commission’s information line on 0800 3 280 280.