FOLLOWING the announcement that there will be a general election on 4th July, the town is gearing up to go to the polls.
The candidates confirmed as standing for election in the South West Wiltshire seat, which includes Westbury, are Evelyn Akoto (Labour), Garry Irvin (Reform UK), Andrew Murrison (Conservative), Bret Palmer (Liberal Democrats) and Fay Whitfield (Green Party).
Conservative Dr Andrew Murrison won the last election in 2019 with 60.2% of the votes. He has been an MP for the area since 2001.
White Horse News asked residents about the issues that were most important to them. The most frequently mentioned concerns were the cost-of-living crisis, NHS and health care, public services and the housing system.
This is the first general election that will require people to have photo ID to vote at polling stations. Accepted forms of photo ID include passports, photographic driving licences, biometric immigration documents, and certain concessionary travel passes. A comprehensive list can be found at www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/voter-id/accepted-forms-photo-id
The deadline to register to vote is midnight on 18th June. Visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote for more information on how to vote.
The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on 19th June. Visit www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote to apply.
Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 4th July.
