Vote safely in elections this May

Cheshire East residents will go to the polls on Thursday 6th May to have their say on who represents them as the police and crime commissioner for Cheshire.

A number of local council by-elections will also take place on that day - including Wilmslow Town Council (Lacey Green Ward) and Handforth Parish Council (West Ward) and neighbourhood planning referenda - including Alderley Edge.

Although the elections are not until May, Cheshire East Council is encouraging residents to make arrangements to help them stay safe while casting their vote.

There are a number of ways to have your say in the May elections – you can vote in a polling station, by post or by appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf, which is known as a proxy vote.

Returning Officer Lorraine O'Donnell said: "These elections in May 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 in Cheshire East.

"We're planning for these elections now so that, however you choose to cast your vote in May, you can do so safely. We're putting arrangements in place to help you stay safe at the polling station, if you choose to vote in person.

"You can expect many of the measures you've become used to in shops and banks over recent months, such as hand sanitiser, floor markings and face masks. But you also have the option to apply to vote by post or by proxy, if this is your preference."

If you are not already registered for a postal vote and you're thinking about voting by post, you can apply now. 

You need to be registered to vote in order to have a say at the elections – and the easiest way to register is online at: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote