Three ways voters can cast their vote at the May elections

On Thursday 6 May residents in Stratford-on-Avon will go to the polls to have their say on who represents them at Warwickshire County Council, and to elect the Police and Crime Commissioner for the Warwickshire Police area. 

There are also four Neighbourhood Planning Referendums to be held in Alcester, Clifford Chambers, Ilmington and Napton-on-the-Hill.

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 20 April, and for a proxy vote the deadline is 5pm on 27 April.

For those who choose to vote in person, polling stations will be safe places to vote on 6 May. 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

Voters should not 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. 

David Buckland, Electoral Registration Officer for Stratford-on-Avon District Council, said: "It's important to make sure your voice is heard at the elections in May, and we are putting measures in place to help you cast your vote safely. You can vote either at a polling station, by post or by proxy.

"You can find more information about how to apply to vote by post or proxy on our website at https://www.stratford.gov.uk/council-democracy/postal-and-proxy-voting.cfm

"However you choose to vote, you must be registered in order to have your say at the elections - the easiest way to register is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote."

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.

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.