RESIDENTS of the Bradford District are being urged to head to the polls on Thursday and have their say.

Local elections will take place on Thursday May 5 and residents of the Bradford district are being urged to make sure to use their vote and make it count.

Local government elections select councillors, who are responsible for making decisions on running services in your local area. These include education, transport, planning, street cleansing, refuse collection, libraries and museums, street wardens, parks, leisure and social care.

Polling stations will open from 7am on Thursday and close at 10pm.

Kersten England, Returning Officer for Bradford Council, said: “It is vital that you have your say on the issues that affect your everyday life at a local level. Voting is the most powerful way we can be sure that our voices are heard.

"I really mean it when I say that every vote matters and everyone should exercise their democratic right to vote.

"If you don’t vote someone else will make the decision for you.

“We want to make sure that everyone who has a right to vote is able to. Remember, if you need any assistance at the polling station – just ask. Each polling station is staffed with people who can help answer any questions you may have on the voting process and also provide assistance as required.”

If needed a large print ballot paper and tactile voting devices and visual aids are available at the polling station, and assistance dogs can be taken into the polling station with you.

If you have a carer or a support worker they can help you to cast your vote, or the Presiding Officer at each polling station can also help you to do this.

For more information on the local elections and details of local polling stations visit https://www.bradford.gov.uk/your-council/elections-and-voting/elections-on-5-may-2022/