Burngreave New Deal elections set for July 2005

Story by the New Deal executive team

Burngreave New Deal for Communities has now announced the timetable for the 2005 elections for residents to become community and voluntary sector representatives on the BNDfC partnership board.

Here, we take a look at what the process will be, why it is important and how you can make a difference to our community by getting involved through voting or becoming a board member. Don’t miss your chance to have your say – make your mark on Burngreave.

Proposals approved

A number of changes to the election process were proposed by BNDfC and explained in the last edition of the Messenger.

To confirm, there places for ten community representatives on the BNDfC board – from the 2005 election they will be elected to carry out a four year term. Open elections for resident board members will continue every two years but only half of the ten places allocated for residents will be contested each election to ensure continuity and stability on the board.

In order to increase the geographical diversity of resident board members, we will promote the elections equally in all areas within the BNDfC patch.

We intend to create two additional places for young people aged 16 to 25 years, selected by the proposed youth council once up and running.

Please see the election update column for confirmation of other changes.

How to become a board member

• Do you live in the Burngreave New Deal area?

• Would you like to make things better for your local community?

• Do you have ideas about the changes you’d like to see – and the time and energy to help make those changes happen?

Why not find out more about standing for election as one of ten community representatives on the BNDfC Partnership Board.

All resident board election candidates need to be supported by at least four nominations from Burngreave residents. Nomination forms will be distributed to every household by 25 April.

Four information sessions where you can find out more about what becoming a board member really means will be held at various locations around Burngreave (see timetable below).

How to register to vote

Everyone who lives in the BNDfC area is entitled to vote including those without residency status from the Home Office, those who have recently moved to the area, and residents aged over 15.

In order to vote, your name must be on the New Deal election register. Closing date is Monday 13 June so don’t miss out – make sure you are registered to vote to make your mark on Burngreave.

If you are already registered to vote in local and national elections, you will automatically be on the BNDfC electoral register unless you’ve opted out of the public register.

If you are not sure if you are on the register, complete the form which will be distributed to your home during April and return it to the information shop on Spital Hill or post freepost to FREEPOST BNDfC. Do not write anything else on the envelope.

The information supplied for the electoral register will be treated as confidential.

How to vote

There will be a three-week window in which to post your vote, plus an additional opportunity to vote in person at the polling station at the Abbeyfield Mulitcultural Festival on 10 July 2005.