WIREDGOV

The Electoral Commission has yesterday (10 February) teamed up with RNIB Cymru and the giant inflatable 'X' to spread the message that only people who are registered can take part in the National Assembly for Wales and Police and Crime Commissioner elections on 5 May. You can now register online in just a few minutes at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Ahead of the important elections in Wales this year the Electoral Commission is working with organisations across Wales to encourage voter registration. The launch of the partnership with RNIB Cymru yesterday is about promoting voter registration and to announce a joint resource that explains what help is available forblind and partially sighted people to be able tocast their vote with confidence will be produced ahead of the May elections.

Director of RNIB Cymru Ceri Jackson said yesterday:

"All voters have a right to vote independently and in secret – and all polling stations must be accessible to people with sight loss. We want to increase the number of people with sight loss making their voices heard so make sure that you're registered to vote today."

Rhydian Thomas, Head of Electoral Commission in Wales, said:

"We are excited to work with RNIB Cymru to promote voter registration and share useful advice for blind and partially sighted voters. It is important that no-one loses out on having their say in May. I would also encourage anyone who's eligible, but has not yet registered, to do so by going online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.  

"The Electoral Commission will be working with organisations like RNIB Cymru to help reach those people less likely to be registered to vote.  Joint activities like this, alongside our own public awareness campaign, which kicks off in March, are invaluable as a way to encourage voter registration."

For more information contact Daneka Norman, Communications Officer in the Electoral Commission Wales office on 02920 346803 / 07793132784 or atdnorman@electoralcommission.org.uk

Notes to editor

The photo below was taken yesterday, Wednesday 10 February with RNIB Cymru, Womanby Street, Cardiff, CF10 1BR

You must register by Monday 18 April to be able to vote in the National Assembly for Wales elections on 5 May 2016.

For more information on the Electoral Commission's partnership work in Wales visit ourwebsite.The joint resource explaining what help is available for blind and partially sighted people to be able to cast their vote with confidence will be available online in the next few weeks