Alliance Leader and East Belfast candidate Naomi Long has encouraged people to check they are registered to vote, as she handed her nomination papers in for the forthcoming Assembly election.
Mrs Long, who was speaking as she was officially nominated at the Belfast Electoral Office, said recent reports of over 60,000 names being taken off the electoral register in Northern Ireland were “deeply worrying” ahead of the election.
Naomi Long said: “Many people may not be aware they are no longer registered to vote after the Electoral Office reviewed the register and removed the names of over 60,000 people. In East Belfast alone, 2379 names were removed from the roll. In addition, those who have recently turned 18 should not assume they are automatically added to the roll. You need to register.
“It is understandable that people may feel disillusioned and even angry with the Assembly and politics considering the recent scandals surrounding how public money has been squandered and wasted.
“However, this election is a golden opportunity for people to have their say on the corruption, cronyism and incompetence of the Executive. It is vital people ensure they can have their voice heard and take their chance to make a change for good. Tell them you have had enough and it is time to change for good. If you do not vote, you will not get the sort of politics or government you want and the country needs.”
To check if you are on the electoral register contact the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland on 0800 4320 712 or call into any Alliance constituency office. The deadline to register to vote is February 14, 2017.