ELECTIONS: Make sure you’re ready to have your say on May 6

There are Police and Crime Commissioner and County Council elections taking place on the day as well as three District Council by-elections and referendums for five ‘neighbourhood plans’.

Polling stations will be safe places to vote and 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.

Neil Taylor, deputy returning officer for Bassetlaw District Council said: “Your poll card will tell you where to find your polling station.

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“Please 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 and 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 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 [email protected] or by calling 01909 533 252.

For further information on elections in their area, voters can visit the Electoral Commission website.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Sam Jackson, editor.