You have a voice in Hull's future

Remember to use your vote in the local government elections on May 1.

Do you want to make Hull a better place to live?
Do you have views on those things which affect the quality of our lives - such as the education of our children, the health and well-being of local people, the fight against crime and antisocial behaviour, the state of our roads, and how we dispose of our household waste? If so, then make sure you don't waste your vote in the forthcoming local government elections for ward councillors to Hull City Council.
These are the people who regularly make decisions on these important issues – and take responsibility for how a budget of more than £400 million is spent in the city each year.
It's up to you to elect them.
Local councillors are your democratic representatives, who work on your behalf - whether it's holding surgeries to listen to your concerns, undertaking casework, or casting their vote at committee and full council meetings on how Hull should change and improve as a place to live, work and visit.
"It's very important that people don't just talk about what they want the future to be like, but that they actually get involved and make things happen by casting their vote," says Hull City Council chief executive, Kim Ryley, who, as returning officer, is also the person in charge of running the elections.
"People should realise that they have a powerful voice, and that they can make a lasting and visible difference to their local communities.
"Strong local democracy is essential to maintaining the benefits of the society we live in, and its continuation in the future should never be taken for granted.
"So make sure you have your say."

Election fact file.

• The council is composed of 59 councillors (or "members"), with one-third of them elected three years in every four.
• There are 20 wards having elections this time and each will elect one member.
• The wards which have no elections this year are Bransholme East, Bransholme West and University.
• There are 162,575 Hull residents eligible to vote in this election, but when all wards vote the figure rises to 182,000 eligible electors. Last year less than one in three Hull voters turned out (one of the lowest turnouts of any local authority in the country).

info

For more information, or if you are unable to get to your polling station for any reason, you can apply for a postal vote, which must be returned by April 16. Please contact the Elections Office on 300300 or visit www.hullcc.gov.uk.