Merton already has nearly 9,000 European Union nationals registered to vote at local elections; with Poles the largest number. Bulgaria and Romania joined the European Union on 1 January 2007. This means that Bulgarians and Romanians can now register to vote.

Merton has attracted Bulgarian and Romanian families for several years and around 150 families have made their homes in the Borough. Merton’s Electoral Services has written to all the addresses where they believe these families to live. The Council wants to encourage them to take up the opportunity to register to vote like all other European Union citizens.

If any Bulgarians or Romanians have not received this information they should contact Merton Electoral Services on 020 8545 3407 or visit http://www.merton.gov.uk/voting.

Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Samantha George, said:
“Merton Council is making sure that every person residing in Merton from Bulgaria and Romania can register to vote in all elections. This ensures that all resident of voting age can take part in the democratic process enjoyed by all European Union citizens.

Any electors with questions on their voting rights can contact Merton Electoral Services on 020 8545 3407 or visit http://www.merton.gov.uk/voting