Chance to have your say on 22 May

Preparations for the election are well under way with just over one week to go until the 2014 Local and European Elections. May 22 will see tens of thousands of people from across the borough head to the polling stations to have their say on how both Rochdale Borough Council and the European Parliament should be run.

There are 20 local and eight European seats up for grabs and Rochdale Borough Council is urging everyone to mark May 22 in their diary so nobody misses the chance to vote on who they want to represent them.

Returning Officer Jim Taylor said, 

“Local councillors make decisions which affect many aspects of our residents’ day-to-day lives. For example, they make choices about schools and social services and can rule on planning applications and transport issues. The election is all about giving residents a voice to make politics in Rochdale what they want it to be.”

This year Rochdale Borough Council has been working hard to encourage voting across the borough. One key action has been to work with Hopwood Hall College to encourage the young people of the borough to register and make their voices heard.

With the General Election looming in 2015, these elections will give voters a chance to get involved with politics and demonstrate how they feel about the current party policies.

“Even if you don't vote, elected members represent you. If you plan to hold them to account for what they do in office, it makes sense to play a part in their election,” added Mr. Taylor.

To find details of the candidates and the location of your nearest polling station, visit www.rochdale.gov.uk/elections.