Dorset voters urged to register to have their say in May
The deadline is the 19th April
Last updated 21st Mar 2021
On Thursday 6 May residents in the Dorset Council area will have their say in the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner elections, some town and parish council by-elections and some neighbourhood plan referendums.
In order to vote in these elections and referendums, residents must be on the electoral register. With the deadline to register to vote fast approaching, Dorset Council is urging people who have not registered at their current address to make sure they are registered in time.
The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Monday 19 April.
It takes just five minutes to apply online at gov.uk/register-to-vote.
Jonathan Mair, Dorset Council's Corporate Director for Legal and Democratic Services, said:
"Time is running out to make sure you can take part in these elections. They are 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 Dorset. If you're not registered by 19 April, you won't be able to vote."
Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance at the Electoral Commission said:
"You can't have your say in these important elections unless you are registered to vote. It's quick and easy - it takes just five minutes online at www.gov.uk/registertovote.
"If you have recently turned 18 or moved home, it is particularly important that you act to ensure that you are registered to vote.
"If you were registered to vote in the last election and your details have not changed, you don't need to take any action. If in doubt, you can check with your local authority on 01305 838299
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. For those who choose to vote in person, polling stations will be safe places to vote on 6 May.
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 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.