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.
As part of what is set out to happen, Wiltshire Council are legally obliged to send out poll cards to registered voters. The poll card also contains details of the resident’s local polling station. More than 20 polling station have changed from previous years, with extra measures being introduced to make them COVID-secure. In total there will be 348 polling stations across the county.
On 6 May, Wiltshire Council, Town and Parish Council elections take place, as well as that for the new Police & Crime Commissioner. Given the amount of elections and COVID measures required, the count of the ballots will take place from 7 to 10 May so results won’t be available overnight as has always been the case previously.
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.
However, there is still the option to cast a postal vote. Terence Herbert added: “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.
If you are going to visit your local Polling Station – take your own pen with you. This is because, for safety reasons the traditional pencils that used to be in each booth won’t be there. One of the measures in place at all polling stations to ensure those who choose to vote in person can do so safely. Other measures include: staff in place to support and advise voters regarding how to follow voting procedure – guidance with one-way systems, screens, hand sanitiser, etc. – and don’t forget to bring a mask.
It is not too late for people to register to vote if they’re not already; click here for more information.
To register to get a postal vote, click here
For local information on the elections taking place on 6 May, click here.
School Governor – Baydon St Nicholas CofE Primary School
