BLACKPOOL voters will not be denied the chance to have their say in this year's all-postal Euro-election

The crisis in the Royal Mail, fears of fraud and opposition from the House of Lords have cast a shadow over the June 10 poll.

But the Royal Mail has assured voters that plans are in place to ensure that ballot papers and votes arrive in plenty of time

All mail containing ballot papers will be marked with a distinctive purple flash which, according to the Royal Mail, will ensure that it is sorted and delivered in plenty of time.

Traditionally, turnouts for the European elections have been tiny, with only 20 per cent of Blackpool voters heading for the polls five years ago.

In contrast, more than 50 per cent of Blackpool electors voted in last May's postal local elections.

Ballot papers will be sent out between May 26 and 28 and must be returned by polling day, June 10.

Blackpool voters can also hand deliver their ballot paper to Committee Room E of the Town Hall from 9am to 5pm June 1 to 9 and from 7am to 10pm on polling day, June 10.

Voters have until Monday May 17 to register for a proxy vote or ask for a vote to be sent to an alternative address.

Anyone with queries about elections and voting can contact Blackpool Council's electoral services office on 01253 477160 477161 or email:

electoral.registration@blackpool.gov.uk

There is also a detailed Questions & Answers section on the Council website. Go to: blackpool.gov.uk and click on the European Election link on the homepage.

The European elections are unique in the UK because voters must choose a party rather than individual candidates. Seats are allocated to parties depending on their proportion of the vote. Nine MEPs will be elected on the 'closed list' system, and will represent the entire region, from Cheshire to the Scottish Borders.