Wiltshire residents encouraged to vote by post in forthcoming local elections

The county's Returning Officer says it's the safest way for people to have their say.

Author: Sophie CridlandPublished 18th Mar 2021
Last updated 18th Mar 2021

Wiltshire residents are being encouraged to register for postal votes as the county's key election notices are published.

Due to the ongoing pandemic Wiltshire's Returning Officer is asking that as many people as possible register to vote by post ahead of elections on May 6th.

On that date local elections are due to take place for the 98 Wiltshire Council unitary divisions, as well as towns and parishes.

The Police and Crime Commissioner election also takes place on 6th May as do a number of Neighbourhood Plan Referendums.

You can get apply for a postal vote via the government website.

To avoid the risk of fraud, a signature is required when applying for a postal vote. Anyone unable to print a postal vote application form at home should call Wiltshire Council on 0300 456 0112 and they can arrange for a copy to be posted out.

POLLING STATIONS

Polling stations will still be open and Wiltshire Council stress they will be 'covid secure' with one way systems in place but people will need to bring their own pen!

KEY ELECTION DATES

Here's the dates you need to know for the forthcoming elections.

Terence Herbert, Wiltshire Council's Chief Executive and Wiltshire's Returning Officer, said: "It's a busy time but we're making good progress and getting all the arrangements in place to ensure safe and democratic elections.

"Even though COVID case numbers are heading in the right direction, I urge everyone to vote by post if they can as this is the safest and most convenient way for people to have their say."

KEY ELECTION DATES

Here's the dates you need to know for the forthcoming elections.

  • Delivery of nomination papers (people wishing to stand for election) from 12 March - 8 April (4pm)
  • Publication of those nominated - 9 April
  • Deadline for registering to vote - 19 April
  • Deadline for registering to vote by post or postal proxy applications - 20 April (5pm)
  • Deadline for receiving new applications to vote by proxy - 27 April (5pm)
  • Polling day - 6 May (7am - 10pm)

To manage the counting of the large number of elections, and to keep everyone safe, the verification and counts will be spread over four days, from 7-10 May.

For information on the upcoming elections visit: https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/elections-2021

The unitary election notices can be found at https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/elections-unitary

The Police and Crime Commissioner Election notice can be found at https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/elections-pcc

The Town and Parish election notices can be found at https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/elections-town-parish

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