Get ready for the 2021 local elections

Local elections are being held on 6 May and plans are well underway to make sure they are as safe as possible for voters.

This year, Swindon will see elections for the Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire, elections in 19 of the 20 Swindon Borough Council Wards and elections in 18 Parish council areas.

The deadline to register to vote is 19 April 2021 and poll cards will be sent out to residents towards the end of March.

For those who choose to vote in person, there will be measures in place to make sure polling stations are COVID-safe, including socially distanced queues, hand sanitiser stations, and floor markers. Voters are also encouraged to:

• Wear a face covering (unless exempt)
• Bring their own pen or pencil
• Clean their hands when entering and leaving the polling station

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. 

Other voting options are available for residents who don’t wish to visit a polling station.

Postal or proxy votes are an easy and convenient way to cast your vote for those who may not want to or may not be able to visit the polling station in person.

Any registered voter can apply for a postal vote before 5pm on 20 April 2021 and anyone who wants to register for a proxy vote (when someone votes on your behalf) should do so before 5pm on 27 April 2021.

Matt Box, Electoral Services Manager for Swindon Borough Council, said:

“It’s really important that you make your voice heard at the local elections on 6 May, and we are putting measures in place to help you cast your vote safely, whichever way you decide to do so. You can vote in person at a polling station or by proxy or postal vote.

“You can find more information about how to apply by proxy or postal vote on our website at www.swindon.gov.uk/postalvoting"

“However you choose to vote, you must make sure you are registered in order to have your say at the elections – the easiest and quickest way to do this is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.”

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

Further information about voting options and how to register can be found on the Council website.