The Government has confirmed that local elections are going ahead, as planned, on Thursday, the 6th of May 2021.
The Government has published a local elections delivery plan that sets out how the elections can be delivered safely.
The deadline to register to vote in the elections is midnight on Monday, the 19th of April. Registering to vote online is the easiest and quickest way. It only takes five minutes, and all you need is your national insurance number.
In Wolverhampton, constituents will be asked to vote in the following polls:
- City of Wolverhampton Council
- West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner
- Mayor of the West Midlands
The Government's plan sets out the precautionary measures that will be put in place to keep everyone safe. There will be additional funding for local authorities to help deliver the elections. This will help councils get the venues, staffing, and equipment they need to make sure voters who choose to attend polling stations can do so safely.
Many of these elections have been delayed by a year already. Around the world major elections are going ahead as planned – showing that Covid-secure elections are achievable. The Government has been clear that we must hold the elections at the earliest opportunity so that democracy is not delayed any longer than necessary.
Those who are campaigning for a specific outcome in elections or referendums can carry out door to door campaigning activity in accordance with guidance on elections and referendums during COVID-19.
There are three ways to vote:
- voting in person - voting is a permitted, lawful reason to leave home. There will be no change to the hours of polling.*
- postal voting - applications can be made until 5pm on Tuesday, the 20th of April 2021.
- voting by proxy - applications can be made until 5pm on Tuesday, the 27th of April. An emergency proxy vote is available in certain limited circumstances (such as illness) until 5pm on polling day. Changes will also allow those who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are self-isolating to apply until 5pm on the day.
Find the location of your nearest polling station at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/your-council/elections-and-voting/find-your-nearest-polling-station
*Returning Officers will make risk-based assessments to determine exactly how COVID-19 secure measures should apply for each location and circumstance. They should refer to the Government’s existing guidance on social distancing, protective equipment, and COVID-19 safe workplaces, which will all need to be applied in an election context.
What to expect in polling stations:
- Social distancing (inside and outside venues)
- Limited number of people inside polling stations
- Masks worn by staff and voters
- Voters bring their own pen or pencil
- Maximum ventilation
- Plastic screens (where appropriate)
- Hand sanitiser
- Regular cleaning
If you are self-isolating, you should not go out to vote. You can obtain an emergency proxy.
LAST UPDATED: 23/04/21.