Poll cards start to be posted out with elections on the horizon

WITH the elections a little over a month away, poll cards are starting to be sent out by Wiltshire Council to eligible voters, and will soon land on residents’ doormats.

The council is legally obliged to send out poll cards to registered voters, which also contain details of the resident’s local polling station. 

Wiltshire Council report, “More than 20 polling station have changed from previous years, with extra measures being introduced to make them Covid-19 secure. In total there will be 348 polling stations across the county. 

“On 6th May, unitary and town and parish council elections take place, as well as the Police and Crime Commissioner election. Given the amount of elections and Covid-19 measures required, the count of the ballots will take place from 7th – 10th May. There are also 10 neighbourhood planning referendums, and those eligible to vote in those will be sent an additional poll card.

“People do not need to bring their poll card to vote but it is helpful if they can bring it with them.”

Terence Herbert, Wiltshire Council chief executive, and returning officer for Wiltshire, said, “I’d ask people to check their poll card carefully as their usual polling station may have changed from previous years. Please don’t worry if your poll card doesn’t arrive straight away, due to the amount needed to be posted out, our team sends them out in batches but rest assured, it will be with you soon.

“There’s still time to register to vote, and to register to vote via post, but I’d ask people not to leave it too late and risk missing out on having their say in elections that will affect their day to day lives.”

Terence Herbert has filmed a short video to talk about the poll cards in a bit more detail – https://youtu. be/PzOFCpz92Fo

Given the ongoing pandemic, Wiltshire Council’s returning officer wants as many people as possible to vote by post if they can, as this is the safest and most convenient way for people to have their say. However, measures will be in place at all polling stations to ensure those who choose to vote in person can do so safely. These include staff in place to support people to follow the measures, screens, one-way systems, hand sanitiser, and people being requested to bring their own pen to cast their vote, and having to wear a mask.

It is not too late for people to register to vote if they’re not already; visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

To register to vote by post, people should visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-postal-vote

For information on the elections taking place on 6th May, visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/article/3353/May-2021-Elections