Use your vote, Market Trader of the Year announced, and night safety

Use your vote this Thursday

Decisions made by MPs affect everyone, so make sure you use your vote in the General Election on Thursday 12 December. 

Your poll card will tell you where you should go to vote. If you live in Islington and are entitled to vote, you should have received your poll card. You can also check where you should go to vote by putting your postcode into the polling station finder. You don’t need your poll card to vote, although it is usually quicker.

Polling stations will be open from 7am – 10pm on Thursday 12 December. Polling stations are often busiest in the evening, especially between 5pm – 10pm, so if you want to avoid the queues, go to vote early!

It’s too late to get on the register to vote in the General Election, but you can register at any time for future elections. 

Further voting information

Nominate your local hero for an award

Every year Islington recognises and celebrates the huge difference local people make to their community and how their actions bring positive change to the lives of others. 

The Mayor's Civic Award Scheme acknowledges volunteers, campaigners and fundraisers who are at the very heart of Islington's thriving local community. The Ben Kinsella Award, given in memory of Ben Kinsella, is a special youth award that recognises the contribution of an inspiring young person. It is open to residents under 18 that have gone above and beyond in their volunteering activities, sports, music or campaigning - amongst many others. 

The closing date for nominations is Friday 24 January 2020. 

Read more and nominate now

Staying safe this Christmas

The run up to Christmas can be a lot of fun but as the evenings get darker, it’s important to know how to keep yourself safe when out and about. That's why pubs, bars, restaurants, music venues and nightclubs have signed up to Islington’s Women’s Night Safety Charter. The Charter seeks to help boost the safety of women enjoying the borough’s vibrant night life.

Businesses taking part vow to watch out for and help female patrons while on a night out and in return receive training on how to deal with harassment, report issues and promote women’s safety.

Tips for keeping safe

Market trader of the year winners announced

Stall holders Serpil Erce and David Jackson have been named Islington’s Market Traders of the Year 2019 – congratulations! 

Voted for by Islington shoppers, Serpil, behind Sunny’s Olive Tree in Whitecross Street Market, won the street food category, and fruit and veg seller Dave Jackson from Chapel Market, won the non-street food category.

Islington’s Market Trader of the Year 2019 is open to traders directly licensed by Islington Council at one of the five main council-run markets – Camden Passage, Chapel Market, Exmouth Market, Whitecross Street and Archway – and a few other sites around the borough.

Read the full story

Islington and Camden celebrate local groups leading environmental improvements

Healthy Start food vouchers

Healthy Start helps give families the very best start in life. If you are pregnant or have a child under four years old, you could get Healthy Start vouchers to help buy some basic foods. Also, all pregnant women, mums with a baby under 1 year, women trying to get pregnant, and children under 4 years can receive free vitamin supplements regardless of their income.

Find out more