Published: 04/05/2021
WITH only two days remaining until voters in Copeland go to the polls on May 6, Copeland Borough Council is urging voters to get ready to vote.
Across Copeland, there are Police and Crime Commissioner elections taking place, together with a borough by-election in the Whitehaven Central Ward.
Polling stations will be safe places to vote on May 6. People voting in person 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. Anyone who develops symptoms, or is asked to self-isolate shortly before polling day, has up to 5pm on polling day to apply for an emergency proxy vote. This allows them to nominate someone they trust to vote on their behalf.
Pat Graham, Electoral Registration Officer for Copeland Borough Council, said:
“Your poll card will tell you where to find your polling station. Make sure you check the information on your polling card, as your polling station might have changed since the last elections. You do not need your poll card to vote, however, we encourage you to bring it with you to make the process quicker and more efficient.
“Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday, May 6. Voters who have opted to vote by post must return their postal ballot pack by 10pm; they can hand it in at their polling station if they don’t have time to return it by post.”
Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance at the Electoral Commission, said:
“If you are voting in person, make sure you remember to bring your face covering and a pen or pencil with you. At the polling station, help keep yourself and others safe by following the safety measures, including sanitising your hands and keeping a safe distance from others.
“If you are self-isolating or become unwell as a result of Covid-19, you don’t need to lose your vote. You will be able to apply for an emergency proxy vote so that someone you trust can vote on your behalf.”
For further information on how to apply for an emergency proxy, voters should contact the Elections team at Copeland Borough Council on 01946 598300.
For further information about candidates and polling stations (including a number of venue changes due to Covid-19 restrictions) and a series of FAQs on hygiene and safety, visit www.copeland.gov.uk/elections-2021
