Local elections – use your vote

TSSA is urging all members to ensure you are registered to vote ahead of this May’s local elections. And to make sure you don’t miss your chance to vote – register for a postal vote so your voice is heard.  

Local elections across England and Northern Ireland take place on 4 May, with more than 8,000 seats at 230 councils being contested. There are also four mayoral elections being held in Bedford, Leicester, Mansfield and Middlesbrough. Not everywhere has elections, for example there are no elections in London, Scotland or Wales. 

Local elections are your chance to return Labour candidates who will back local services and send a strong message to the government that we reject their agenda of cuts.  

Postal vote 

Change only happens when working people vote. We know that getting to a polling station can be tricky, so register for a postal vote today – it’s quick, easy and secure. You can cast your vote by post in advance, with no need to fit voting in around your work and family commitments. There's no queues, bad weather or last-minute emergencies to worry about. Secure your vote now, and make sure your voice is heard. New restrictions on voter ID mean you will need photo ID in order to vote at polling stations – yet another reason to register for a postal vote! 

TSSA Interim President Marios Alexandrou, who is standing as a Labour candidate in local elections in Maidenhead this May, said: “I urge every TSSA member to use your vote in the local elections. We only get a few opportunities to elect our local councillors, mayors and leaders so it’s vitally important to use your vote. Don’t lose your say – make sure you’re registered to vote and either do it by post or have a plan for the day. 

“There are many TSSA members standing as candidates in the upcoming local elections and we wish them all good luck!” 

Standing up against hate 

In Dartford, far-right racist group Britain First are fielding candidates in the local elections. The move has sparked a big reaction locally, with TSSA Organiser Ricky Jones among those leading the fight back.  

Ricky is a Labour councillor for Princes Ward in Dartford. He’s been working closely with local residents and campaign groups including Stand up to Racism to raise awareness and reassure residents in the run up to May’s elections.  

“We’re running regular leafleting events locally to give a visible presence to the opposition to Britain First” explained Ricky. “No-one in Dartford wants this awful far-right group whipping up division and hatred in our community. Many people are scared that this racist group, which was formed from the disgraced British National Party, are standing here. We need residents to come out and vote for Labour on 4 May and show there’s no support for their racist agenda.” 

Leafleting takes place in Swanscombe ward on Sunday 16 and Sunday 30 April, both from 2pm onwards.