WITH the EU referendum fast approaching, East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) is urging people to register to vote by the June 7 deadline, and to check the Electoral Commission’s independent voting guide for advice on how to take part.

The referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Union will take place on Thursday, June 23.

The guide, which was delivered to every UK household over the past week, contains important information for voters on how to register to vote, how to cast your vote, and arguments from the lead campaigners for the ‘Remain’ and ‘Leave’ side.

Sandy Hopkins, returning officer for EHDC, said: “I would urge everyone to vote in this vital referendum. This is a hugely important decision for the people of the UK and we should all play our part in it.

“We hope people feel confident about taking part in the referendum on June 23. Anyone that hasn’t received a copy can view it online at aboutmyvote.co.uk.

“Don’t forget that you won’t be able to have a say if you haven’t registered to vote by the June 7 deadline, so I’d encourage everyone to get online now and register at gov.uk/register-to-vote.”

Voters that are already registered to vote are being reminded that they do not need to register again for the EU referendum on June 23.

Emma Hartley, head of campaigns and corporate communications at the Electoral Commission, said: “The referendum on June 23 is an opportunity for people to have their say on one of the key political issues of our time.

“Voters have told us that they want accessible and impartial information so that they feel they can make an informed decision at the ballot box.

“We have sent our voting guide to every household across the UK so that as many people as possible feel confident about casting their vote on June 23.”

The guide is also available online and has been produced in a range of different languages and accessible formats.

For more details, visit aboutmyvote.co.uk or call the Electoral Commission helpline on 0800 3280280.