Voting safely at this year's elections

On Thursday 6 May 2021 residents in Stratford-on-Avon District will go to the polls to have their say on who represents them at Warwickshire County Council (WCC) and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC). There are also a number of Neighbourhood Planning Referenda (Alcester, Ilmington, Napton-on-the-Hill and Clifford Chambers) to be held.

While County Council and PCC elections are not until May, we're already making plans to help you stay safe while casting your vote. 

There are a number of ways to have your say in the local elections in May - you can vote in a polling station, by post, or by appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf, which is known as a proxy vote.

Caroline Nash, Deputy Electoral Registration Officer for Stratford-on-Avon District Council said: "The elections this year are very important - they're an opportunity to make your voice heard and have a say on who represents you on issues that directly affect day-to-day life here in Stratford-on-Avon.

"We're thinking about these elections now so that, however you choose to cast your vote in May, you can do so safely. We're putting arrangements in place to help you stay safe at the polling station; you can expect many of the measures you've become used to in shops and banks over recent months, such as hand sanitiser, floor markings and face masks. But you also have the option to apply to vote by post or by proxy.

We are also asking electors to check their poll cards as their polling station may have been changed for these elections only.

Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance at the Electoral Commission said: "The choice on how to vote at May's elections is yours - you can have your say in person, by post or by proxy.

"If you're thinking about voting by post, you can apply now. This will make sure your application is processed early, and your postal vote can be sent to you more quickly. It's easy to apply and you can find out how by visiting the Electoral Commission website.

"You need to be registered to vote in order to have a say at the elections - the easiest way to register is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote"

For more information please visit: www.stratford.gov.uk/elections/