From bringing your own pen to having a one-way system, local elections in Gedling borough will look a little different this year.
But in spite of Covid-19, people across the borough will still be able to go to the polls to have their say on who represents them on Nottinghamshire County Council.
Voters have a range of options for casting their ballot – in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote.
The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on April 20, and for a proxy vote the deadline is 5pm on April 27.
For those who choose to vote in person, polling stations will be safe places to vote on May 6. Voters are encouraged to keep themselves and others safe by:
- Wearing a face covering
- Bringing their own pen or pencil
- Cleaning their hands when entering and leaving the polling station
- Keeping a safe distance
Election organisers are asking voters not to attend the polling station if they have symptoms of Covid-19, or if they have been asked to self-isolate.
There will be provisions in place to apply for an emergency proxy vote if required due to health circumstances.
Ailsa Irvine, director of Electoral Administration and Guidance at the Electoral Commission said: “The choice on how to vote at the elections is yours – you can have your say in person, by post or by proxy. However, you choose to cast your vote in May, you will be able to do so safely.
“If you’re voting in person, help keep yourself and others safe by following the safety measures that will be in place at the polling station.
“If you decide to vote by post, don’t wait until the deadline to apply. Sending your application now will make sure it is processed early, and your postal vote can be sent to you more quickly once the candidates for the election are confirmed. It’s easy to apply and you can find out how by visiting the Electoral Commission website.”
The deadline to register to vote for the May 2021 elections is midnight on Monday 19 April 19.
For further information on elections in their area, how to register to vote, or how to apply to vote by post or by proxy, voters can visit www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voter. This page will continue to be updated ahead of the polls.
