Independent Media | Campaigning Journalism
Today is a very important day but Theresa May is probably hoping you don’t notice
Today is a very important day. But Theresa May is likely hoping you don’t notice. Because it’s the last day you can register to vote in the local and mayoral elections taking place on 4 May.
Registration closes at midnight. You can register to vote if you’re going to be 18 or over on 3 May. EU nationals can also register to vote if they are living in the UK. Not all areas are holding elections, but you can find out whether elections are taking place in your region here.
A reminder
People have taken to Twitter to remind potential voters about the deadline:
Don't forget, today is the last day to register to vote! Make sure you've signed up by midnight tonight and ensure that you get your voice heard on the issues affecting your community! Sign up here: https://t.co/Q2SpNSFlEo#LocalElections2018
— Migrants Organise (@migrantsorg) April 17, 2018
Others reminded people how quick it was to register:
#RegisterToVote #RegisterToVote #RegisterToVote
Just did it now and it took 2 secs. don’t do it tommorow today is the last day 😐— Robyn Smyth (@RobynSmyth) April 17, 2018
You have until midnight tonight to register to vote ahead of local elections in England on 3 May.
Register online in just 5 minutes: https://t.co/bxcuovBeOz#Got5 #LocalElections pic.twitter.com/qeJnMdwQS1
— Electoral Commission (@ElectoralCommUK) April 17, 2018
And some gave reminders of all the reasons we have to vote:
We want #SchoolCuts to be front and centre in the minds of the public and politicians in the upcoming local elections. Today is the last chance to register to vote – don't miss your chance to make your voice heard! Register online at https://t.co/pILZzcUs5x pic.twitter.com/kr8q4RAji9
— National Education Union (@NEUnion) April 17, 2018
Last day to register to vote! Unless we have a political voice we can't effectively tackle knife crime, and some if its underlying causes: unemployment, poor housing, persistent race inequality. And let's not forget immigration! It takes 3 min to have a voice, and its free. https://t.co/d4jrTiv6Eo
— Operation Black Vote (@OpBlackVote) April 17, 2018
If you haven't registered to vote, today is your final chance, it's vital everybody registers, it's that serious, just look at how depressing our country has become, it's full of hate, austerity #ForTheMany, we have to punish the tories at #LocalElections2018, please register now
— Loz Argyle (@ArgyleLoz) April 17, 2018
Theresa May and democracy
May doesn’t appear to like democracy very much. She’s clinging onto power through dodgy deals with the DUP. She’s brought in sweeping powers for the government to legislate the Brexit transition without the need for a parliamentary vote. And she’s just decided she can drop bombs on Syria without consulting parliament.
But May’s contempt for democracy is unsurprising. After all, she was the person who took us into a general election expecting a landslide victory, only to have her majority slashed. Her expectations can’t be much better for the local elections given that in London, the Conservatives could see a “record defeat”.
Voting must never be the start and end of our political engagement. It’s just one tool in a big box. But it is a tool, and we should use it. This is our opportunity to send a clear message to May and her cronies. Let’s do it.
Get Involved:
– Register to vote here.
Featured image via screengrab
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