Rm 308, Parliament Buildings Ballymiscaw Stormont Belfast BT4 3XX (028) 905 20305 sandra.overend@mla.niassembly.gov.

uk

Please respond to: Mid-Ulster UUP Advice Office 1 High Street Moneymore Magherafelt BT45 7PD (028) 867 48090

Sandra Overend MLA

ULSTER UNIONIST ASSEMBLY MEMBER FOR MID -ULSTER
Thursday 7 February 2013 Dear Member, I am writing to inform you that I am hosting an Electoral Office of Northern Ireland Voter Registration event in my Constituency Office at 1 High Street, Moneymore on Saturday 16 February from 10am to 12 midday. This event will allow anyone who is not on the electoral register to get registered and be sure of their vote at future elections, as well as the opportunity to get photographic electoral ID. Electoral Office staff will be able to answer your queries and will also facilitate registration for a permanent postal vote. A person may not be registered to vote if: They have moved house and are not yet registered at their new address. They have returned home from working, studying or living overseas and have not since been registered. They have recently got married and changed their name. They are a young person who has not previously been registered.

A person may wish to register for a permanent postal vote if: They will be unable to vote through illness. They will be unable to vote due to working/studying away from home. They would have difficulty in getting to polling station due to old age or infirmity.

To ensure successful registration on the day, documentary evidence may be required, with proof of address, residency in Northern Ireland for at least 3 months and proof of date of birth frequently required. With the Mid-Ulster by-election around the corner, time is running out to get on the electoral register and especially for registration for postal votes. Once the election date is announced there will just be one day to allow the public to register for a postal vote, so this event will provide a great opportunity to register in advance of this. The exercise of the right to vote is a vital part of the democratic process and benefits us all. I am happy to facilitate this event in my office in Moneymore and would encourage Party Members to direct anyone they know who is not on the electoral register to attend.

Copies of the most recent electoral register are available from my office and any Member who wishes to receive a copy for their area in order to go through it and identify friends and neighbours who are not on the list but should be, is welcome to collect a copy. Permanent postal vote forms are also available from the office. I am thankful to the Electoral Office staff who have agreed to put on this event, and it would be great to have a good response to it from the people of Mid-Ulster in order that it be worthwhile. I would once again encourage you all to spread the word amongst friends, family and colleagues and look forward to hosting the event at the Mid-Ulster UUP Advice Office, 1 High Street, Moneymore on Saturday 16 February from 10am to 12 midday. Yours sincerely,

Sandra Overend MLA