ON Thursday, May 6, people in the Bradford district will go to the polls for the local council elections and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Mayoral election.

Voters have a range of options for casting their ballots – in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote on their behalf, known as a proxy vote.

The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on April 20, and for a proxy vote the deadline is 5pm on April 27.

For those who choose to vote in person, people 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. Provisions are in place to apply for an emergency proxy vote up until 5pm on Election Day if required due to health circumstances. 

Kersten England, the Returning Officer for the Bradford District, said:  “It’s important to make sure your voice is heard at the elections in May, and we are putting measures in place to help you cast your vote safely. You can vote either at a polling station, by post or by proxy.

“Plans are in hand to deliver elections following Government and Electoral Commission guidance with Covid safety measures in place for the health and safety of voters and everyone involved in the election process. 

“We cannot predict how many people will have been vaccinated by early May. Therefore people can expect the same requirements they have become used to in shops and other businesses over the last year, such as Perspex screens, using sanitiser and wearing a face mask.

“Social distancing is likely to still apply and there will be restrictions on the number of people in a polling station at one time which will mean there are likely to be queues at times. We hope everyone will understand that these actions are necessary to ensure the safety of voters and staff.

“The elections are very important – they’re an opportunity to make your voice heard and have a say on who represents you on issues that directly affect day-to-day life here in the Bradford district."

Visit the Bradford Council website for more information about how to apply to vote by post or proxy.

However you choose to vote, you must be registered in order to have your say at the elections – If you’re not already registered, the easiest way to register is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance at the Electoral Commission said: “The choice on how to vote at the elections is yours – you can have your say in person, by post or by proxy. However you choose to cast your vote in May, you will be able to do so safely.

“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 station.

“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, April 19.