already almost 50 per cent higher than in 2003. By 5pm on 9 June some
33% of voters had returned their ballot papers, compared to just 22.7%
voting a year ago.
In some places turnout has been even higher. Orrell and Wigan Central wards
have passed the 40 per cent mark, with Ashton, Bryn and Shevington not far
behind.
73,500 of the borough's 237,000 registered electors have voted so far - and
the final figures are likely to be even higher once a sweep of post boxes
has been carried out, and ballot papers dropped off today at assistance and
delivery points have been collected.
Local returning officer, Steve Jones, said: 'It is evident that the postal
pilot has increased turnout for both the European and local elections which
is good news. In Wigan we had seen a gradual decline in turnout over recent
years so the postal pilot has clearly had an impact.'
Anyone still wishing to vote has until 10pm tonight to drop their ballot
paper off at assistance and delivery points at Wigan Town Hall or Leigh
Library, as well as emergency centres set up at Aspull Library, Standish
High School and Hindley Leisure Centre.
Turnout in the north west for the last European elections held in 1999 was
just 19.5%.
Latest voting figures:
Votes returned as of 5pm Wednesday 9 June
Ward / Envelopes returned / Percentage of electorate
Abram278428.32
Ashton349038.02
Aspull New Springs Whelley277328.51
Astley Mosley Common299031.39
Atherleigh223428.89
Atherton340031.04
Bryn363439
Douglas272729.53
Golborne and Lowton West300834.78
Hindley283631.7
Hindley Green269931.22
Ince223626.18
Leigh East266830.06
Leigh South324331.72
Leigh West267725.21
Lowton East347435.33
Orrell374841.87
Pemberton285229.18
Shevington with Lower
Ground362039.15
Standish with Langtree353137.6
Tyldesley334933.19
Wigan Cen tral373940.58
Wigan Westno local election
Winstanley296333.7
Worsley Mesnes291931.74
Overall 73,594 32.87
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