Election race against time

Election 2011
COUNCIL chiefs have released details of the Oldham East and Saddleworth by-election and how to register to vote.

The poll has been arranged for Thursday, January 13, with Oldham Council officers rushing to get arrangements in place.

Due to the tight timescales involved — compounded by Christmas and New Year — they are urging people not already registered to apply quickly. The deadline is 5pm on Thursday.

An Elections Team has been set up and is available on 0161-770 4718 to answer any questions.

To register, fill in an application form available at the Elections Office, Room 222, Oldham Civic Centre (opening hours 9am to 5pm), download from www.oldham.gov.uk/council/elections/registering-to-vote or call 0161-770 4718.

Anyone unable to attend a polling station on January 13 can apply for a postal vote from the Elections Office by the same means.

This includes making alterations to existing arrangements on a permanent basis, or making a separate application for a ballot paper to be sent to a different address for this particular election. The deadline to return the postal vote is again Thurday at 5pm. The deadline to apply for a proxy vote ballot paper through the same means is 5pm on Wednesday, January 5, 2011.

In cases where unforeseen illness or incapacity occurs after that time applications can be made up until 5pm on Thursday, January 13.

Candidates must obtain nomination papers from the Acting Returning Officer at the Elections Office and return them by 4pm on Thursday. A Candidates and Agents briefing will be held that day in the Crompton Suite at the civic centre.

The count will take place at the Queen Elizabeth Hall from 10pm onwards on January 13. Members of the public are welcome to attend but must apply beforehand for a ticket through the Elections Office or by sending an email to elections@oldham.gov.uk.