Call to get under-represented communities to vote in May council elections

With city council elections just three months away, two councillors are calling for a campaign to encourage EU citizens to stand as well as vote.
By The Newsroom
Published 29th Jan 2019, 08:43 BST
Updated 7th Feb 2019, 19:32 BST
Polling Station image by Descrier licensed by Creative Commons from Flickr.Polling Station image by Descrier licensed by Creative Commons from Flickr.
Polling Station image by Descrier licensed by Creative Commons from Flickr.

Green councillor Leo Littman has put forward a motion for debate when Brighton and Hove City Council meets on Thursday (January 31).

The motion, to be seconded by fellow Green councillor Alex Phillips, asks the electoral registration officer to work with the council’s communication team to run a campaign to get under-represented communities voting.

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All seats on Brighton and Hove City Council are up for election on Thursday, May 2.

Councillor Littman said that non-UK EU citizens cannot vote in general elections but can represent a council ward and vote in council elections.

He said that there was a danger that thousands of residents who were from other EU countries and other under-represented groups may not realise that they can vote.

Citizens of the Republic of Ireland, Cyprus and Malta are able to vote in all UK elections.

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Councillor Littman’s motion said: “Given the uncertainty over their futures, due to the threat posed by a possible UK exit from the EU, it is vital to avoid any confusion over their democratic rights.

“Other groups of residents may also benefit from a targeted campaign outlining their democratic rights.”

Councillors are due to debate the motion at a meeting of the full council at Brighton Town Hall on Thursday (January 31). The meeting, which starts at 4pm, is open to the public.