Gateshead by-elections announced
Gateshead Counc has announced two by-elections to be held on Thursday 23 September.
Due to the recent sad loss of Councillor Frank Donovan, a vacancy for a Councillor has arisen in the Lobley Hill & Bensham ward. A second vacancy, in the Saltwell ward, has been created after Ian Mearns MP resigned his Council seat following election as Member of Parliament for Gateshead. Residents of both wards have the opportunity to vote for who they would like to be their new ward councillor at the by-election.
Residents are being urged to make sure they are registered to vote and that they use their vote. Councillors are responsible for deciding how budgets are spent amongst many other decisions that affect Gateshead residents. In the current financial climate these decisions are now more important than ever.
Any resident of the Lobley Hill and Bensham and Saltwell wards who is not already registered to vote should complete a the red and white annual canvass form which was recently sent to every property. In order to register in time to vote, completed forms must be returned to Gateshead Council no later than Wednesday 8 September.
The deadline to apply for a postal vote for those that do not already have one is also 5pm on September 8. Residents who need to appoint someone to vote on their behalf have until 5pm on Wednesday 15 September to apply for a proxy vote.
All Lobley Hill & Bensham and Saltwell residents registered to vote will receive a poll card through detailing where and when to vote or when to expect their postal vote.
For more information visit
www.gateshead.gov.uk/voting