MP welcomes funding to boost voter registration

The government has today announced that £12,030.94 will be given to South Lakeland District Council to boost the number of people registering to vote. The funding has been welcomed by South Lakes MP Tim Farron who has used the announcement to urge people to register to vote.

Tim has set himself the target to try and register as many people as possible who are not currently on the electoral roll to sign up and exercise their democratic right. To register to vote the government has set up this page which takes around five minutes to complete: https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

In terms of the funding announced today, it is up South Lakeland District Council to decide on the best way to maximise voter registration in the area, which could include working with charities or other organisations working locally. This could include further letters to households - to help identify those who have moved home and invite those that need to register to do so - and more door-to-door canvassing, targeted either at under-registered groups such as students, or specific wards where registration rates are lower.

Tim said: "The ability to vote is a fundamental right and this funding will, I hope, make sure that everyone who wishes to be on the electoral roll is able to be. Making your voice heard, especially in an election year is vital and I would urge all those who are not signed up to do so. I have set myself a target to try and sign up as many people as possible onto the electoral register who are currently not eligible to vote."