AS THE local elections draw closer, Wokingham residents are being urged to make their choice now.
No, who they will vote for but how they will vote.
Every effort is being made by Wokingham Borough Council to ensure that the poll, on Thursday, May 6, will be held in a covid-safe way.
Although polling stations are open, residents are being asked to consider alternative ways of casting their votes not just in the borough council elections, but to determine who will be elected as the new Police and Crime Commissioner for the Thames Valley and in town council elections for Woodley and Wokingham.
There are 18 wards where elections are being contested for the borough council and, unusually, all three main party leaders are standing for re-election: Labour’s Andy Croy, Liberal Democrats’ Lindsay Ferris and the Conservatives’ John Halsall.
Other parties standing include the Green Party, the Women’s Equality Party and the Freedom Alliance.
This is a new party that says it is committed to principles of personal liberty, sovereignty, and human rights. This includes objecting the lockdowns, which the government has used to help mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. The party also says it would launch a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to respond to the events caused by the pandemic.
The deadline to register to vote in May’s local elections is 11.59pm, on Monday, April 19.
The deadline for applying for a postal vote is 5pm on Tuesday, April 20.
The deadline for applying for a proxy vote is 5pm on Tuesday, April 27.
Those who want to maintain tradition and vote in a polling station are asked to wear a face covering, bring their own pen or pencil, clean hands before and after entering the polling station and ensure they keep a safe distance from others.
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.
Andrew Moulton, assistant director governance, 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 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 the council’s website, by searching for elections 2021.
“However you choose to vote, you must be registered in order to have your say at the elections – the easiest way to register is online.”
Residents will receive a polling card informing them of the elections taking place in their area including details of when and where to vote. Individuals do not need their polling card with them to vote but will be asked to provide their name and address to a member of staff on duty.
