Salford’s famous suffragette has joined another campaign about voting – this time to get people in Salford registered for next year’s elections.
Six lifesize images of Mrs Pankhurst are being placed at spots around the city for people to take a selfie with Emmeline and tweet that they have signed up to vote to encourage others to do the same using the hashtag #signupSalford
It’s part of Salford City Council’s annual drive to update the electoral register. It has has just sent out 120,000 letters to every home in the city. Only people who are listed on the register can vote so people are being asked to check and confirm their details.
Deputy City Mayor Councillor Paula Boshell, the UK’s first female deputy city mayor, said the idea was fun but also carried a very serious message.
“It’s 90 years this year since women and men got equal voting rights after a long and very difficult campaign by both Lancashire mill workers and Mrs Pankhurst and her Women’s Political and Social Union,” she said.
“We don’t want anyone to miss their chance to have their say when it comes to elections and to pick the candidates they think will do the best for them and their city and we thought Emmeline would fully support that if she were still with us.
“All people have to do is check the details that are on the register. If it’s correct then they need to let us know. If not, then they need to make any changes including adding in young people aged 16 or 17 and let us know. We can then update the register.
“It’s not often you get a chance to take a selfie with one of the most famous women in history so we’re hoping people will return the form and enjoy the opportunity.”
You can catch up with Mrs Pankhurst at:
Civic Centre reception, Chorley Road, Swinton
Broughton Hub, 50 Rigby Street off Bury New Road
Eccles Gateway 28 Barton Lane, Eccles
Pendleton Gateway, 1 Broadwalk, Pendleton
Ordsall Hall, 322 Ordsall Lane, Ordsall
