Time running out to apply for postal voting

Residents in Newark and Sherwood only have a few weeks left before the deadline for postal voting finishes

Whilst all polling stations will be COVID-secure, the District Council is encouraging residents to apply for a postal vote, which is an easy and convenient way to cast your vote this May. The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on 20 April.

Those wanting to choose this option can complete and return an application form and ballot papers will be sent by post.

Residents can then fill out the voting ballot when it arrives at a time convenient to them and put it in a post box. To apply for postal voting visit the District Council website at: www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/MayElections2021

Voters have other options for casting their ballot – in person or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote. For a proxy vote the deadline is 5pm on 27 April.

Those wanting to vote in person will go to the polls on Thursday 6 May 2021 to have their say on who represents them at the Nottinghamshire County Council and Police and Crime Commissioner elections.

Polling stations will be safe places to vote on 6 May 2021 and there will be some additional COVID-secure measures at Polling Stations this year. Voters are encouraged to keep themselves and others safe by:

• Wearing a face covering
• Bringing their own pen or pencil
• Cleaning their hands when entering and leaving the polling station
• Keeping a safe distance

Voters should not attend the polling station if they have symptoms of Covid-19, or if they have been asked to self-isolate. There will be provisions in place to apply for an emergency proxy vote if required due to health circumstances. 

Mark Jurejko, Electoral Services Manager for Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “It’s important to make sure everyone is able to vote at the elections in May, and we are putting measures in place to help you cast your vote safely. You can vote either vote at a polling station, by post or by proxy.

“You can find more information about how to apply to vote by post or proxy on our website. However you choose to vote, you must be registered to do so – if you are not already registered to vote or have recently moved address, the easiest way to register is online at gov.uk/register-to-vote.”

Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance at the Electoral Commission said: “If you’re voting in person, help keep yourself and others safe by following the safety measures that will be in place at the polling stations.

“If you decide to vote by post, don’t wait until the deadline to apply. Sending your application now will make sure it is processed early, and your postal vote can be sent to you more quickly once the candidates for the election are confirmed. It’s easy to apply and you can find out how by visiting the Electoral Commission website.” 

The deadline to register to vote for the May 2021 elections is midnight on Monday 19 April.

For further information on elections in your 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.

Newark and Sherwood residents can visit the Elections 2021 page on the website at www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/MayElections2021 to find out more about the elections on 6 May 2021. The page will be updated with new information as it becomes available.

Any residents who have questions can also contact their local Electoral Services team at the District Council at: voting@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk