MP appeals to Hull's 10,000 'missing' voters

Hull North MP Diana Johnson this morning (Friday 16 January) met Hull Electoral Registration officials to discuss the 10,000 'missing' Hull voters.

The fall is caused by changes made by the Government to voter registration procedures and the drop in the number of voters in expected to worsen in 2016.

Diana Johnson MP has appealed to Hull voters to check that everyone in their household eligible to vote is properly registered by contacting Hull City Council. Under the law, those not registering to vote could be subject to an £80 fine.

After meeting Hull City Council Electoral Registration Officers this morning, Hull North MP Diana Johnson said: "Since changes to voter registration procedures made by the Coalition Government, and pushed through by Nick Clegg in particular, it seems that around 10,000 Hull electors have gone missing from the electoral roll over the past year. The fall has been sharpest among younger voters and there's a danger of an even bigger drop from 2016.

"I would urge Hull people to contact the Guildhall on 01482 300300 to check that all eligible members of their household are on the voter list in time for this year's elections. Even if people do not intend to use their vote it is bad for democracy if they deny themselves the ability to vote. Under the law, those not registering to vote could also be subject to an £80 fine - so it's well worth everyone checking that they are registered.

"Not having all our voters registered could also be bad for Hull in future with regard to funding for our public services locally and even the level of representation our area gets in the corridors of power."