Southampton General Election milestones

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The General Election is swiftly approaching and in order to make it as much of a simple process as possible for you Southampton students, we wanted to let you know about the key milestones in the next few weeks which you need to know about to ensure your vote counts on May 7.

First of all, it’s vital you register to vote. Voter registration closes on April 20, so you need to make sure you have put your name down before then in order to have your say in both the General and Local Council Elections. To register, click here. Additionally, April 21 is the deadline for receiving applications for a new postal vote and postal proxy applications, so get it sorted as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Following these broadcasts, there will also be the chance to hear from local politicians in a series of debates featuring candidates from your local constituency (See below for more details!).

Then finally, May 7 is the big day. From 7am until 10pm, you can cast your vote! …And remember to check which polling station you are registered to vote at by looking at your polling card as it is not always the one physically closest to your house.

Happy voting!

Key dates:

Students have been branded the apathetic generation. It’s time to show that we have a voice and more than that, we have lives and roles in society that matter, and it’s time we made Parliament take us seriously – which will only happen if we’re seen voting.

The following debates take place between when voter registration closes (April 20th) and voting day (May 7th). These debates will give you a chance to grill and question parliamentary candidates to make sure you’re voting for the candidate you most align your beliefs to.

You will be voting in 1 of 4 constituencies based on where you live:
Southampton Test, Southampton Itchen, Romsey and Southampton North, or Winchester. (See the map posted below to find out which is yours and therefore which debate you should attend)

21st April – BBC Radio Solent election debate – SUSU Concourse – 12.00- 13.00- Debate hosted by Julian Clegg with a panel of candidates from all the local parties.

27th April – General Election debate – Southampton Test – 18.00 – 20.30 – A debate featuring the General Election candidates running for the Southampton Test constituency. Held in Garden Court in Building 40 on Highfield Campus.

Candidates currently confirmed as attending:
Adrian Ford – Lib Dem
Alan Whitehead – Labour
Angela Mawle – Green
Chris Davis MBE – Independent
Jeremy Moulton – Conservative
Pearline Hingston – UKIP (UK Independence Party)

Confirm your attendance by visiting this link-
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/southampton-test-general-election-debate-tickets-16395824352?utm_campaign=new_event_email&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eb_email&utm_term=viewmyevent_button
1st May – General Election debate – Southampton Itchen – 18.00 – 20.30 – Sir James Matthews Building, 157 – 187 Above Bar Street, Southampton – A debate featuring the General Election candidates running for the Southampton Itchen constituency. Held at the Sir James Matthews Building at Solent University in association with Solent Students’ Union.

Candidates currently confirmed as attending:
Eleanor Bell – Lib Dem
John Spottiswoode – Green
Kim Rose – UKIP (UK Independence Party)
Rowenna Davis – Labour
Royston Smith – Conservative
Sue Atkins – TUSC (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition)

2nd May – General Election debate – Southampton North & Romsey – 18.00 – 20.30 – A debate featuring the General Election candidates running for the Southampton North & Romsey constituency. Held in the Glen Eyre Hall.

Candidates currently confirmed as attending:
Ben Nicholls – Lib Dem
Caroline Nokes – Conservative
Darren Paffey – Labour
Ian Callaghan – Green
Sandra James – UKIP (UK Independence Party)

Confirm your attendance by visiting this link –
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/romsey-and-southampton-north-general-election-debate-tickets-16396531467

5th May – General Election debate – Winchester – 4pm – 6pm – A debate featuring the General Election candidates running for the Winchester constituency. Held in the Winchester school of art Café.

Confirm your attendance by visiting this link –
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/winchester-general-election-debate-tickets-16396767172

7th May – 07.00 – 22.00 – Voting in for the General Election! Polls will be open from 7am – 10pm. Make sure you check where your polling station is! You can only vote at your polling station and it’s not always the one which is physically closest to you house. Your polling station can be found on your polling card or by checking www.yourvoteyourvoice2015.com

7th May – General Election results night – 22:00 – all night – SUSU will be showing live coverage of the General Election 2015 results from 10 pm and throughout the night in The Bridge at SUSU The bar will be open all night with food available.