ELECTORS in the Cotswolds are being urged to use their vote in the election for the European Parliament on Thursday, May 22.

Voters will be deciding on the party they wish to represent South West England at the European Parliament. Members of the European Parliament are elected using a proportional representation system which allocates seats according to each party’s share of the vote.

The 111 polling stations in Cotswold district will be open from 7am to 10pm. The Council has issued approximately 12,500 postal votes this year and more than 50 per cent per cent have already been returned.

Cotswold District Council Electoral Services Officer Sarah Dalby said: "We are hoping for a good turnout in the District on Thursday. This is your opportunity to make your voice heard on issues relating to our role in Europe, so please use your vote.

“At the polling station, electors should remember that they must only vote for one party on the ballot paper. Voters do not need to take their poll card in order to vote, but if they do it will speed up the process."

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Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

“Those who have not returned postal votes can deliver them by hand to any polling station in the District by close of polling on Thursday," continued Sarah.

The votes will be counted on Sunday May 25 and the results will be amalgamated with other returns from across the South West and will appear on this link.