Voting Safely at Next Year’s Elections

READING residents are being reminded that they have a number of options open to them to cast their votes at next year’s Council and Police and Crime Commissioner Elections.

While both elections are not until May next year, Reading Borough Council’s election team is already making early plans to help keep people safe while they cast their votes.

As usual, people have a number of ways they can cast their votes. They can either vote in person at a polling station, by post, or by appointing someone they trust to vote on their behalf, which is known as a proxy vote.

Christopher Brooks, Electoral Registration Officer for Reading Borough Council, said:

“As always, the elections on May 6^th  are very important - an opportunity for local people to make their voices heard on who represents them on the issues which affect day-to-day life here in Reading.

“While they are still a few months away we are thinking about those elections now so that, however people choose to cast their votes in May, they can do it safely. We’re putting arrangements in place to help residents stay safe at the polling station. Local people can expect many of the measures they’ve become accustomed to in shops over recent months, like hand sanitiser, floor markings and face masks, for example.

“I’d also remind residents they have the option to apply to vote by post or by proxy. While none of us know exactly what the position will be in May next year, its important people start to think now about the options that are open to them, rather than leave it until the Absent Vote deadline of Tuesday 20^th April 2020 at 5.00pm. People who want to apply to vote by post or by proxy can request an application to be sent directly to them now, by contacting the Electoral Services Team in Reading.”

To contact the Electoral Services Team people can email elections@reading.gov.uk or phone 0118 937 3717.

Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance at the Electoral Commission said:

“The choice on how to vote at next May’s elections is yours – you can have your say in person, by post or by proxy.

“If you’re thinking about voting by post, you can apply now. This will make sure your application is processed early, and your postal vote can be sent to you more quickly. It’s easy to apply and you can find out how by visiting the Electoral Commission website.

“You need to be registered to vote by Monday 19^th April 2020 in order to have a say at the elections – the easiest way to register is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote."

Residents can visit the FAQ page on the Council's website at https://www.reading.gov.uk/council/democracy/elections-and-voting/2021-local-borough-elections-and-police-and-crime-commissioner-elections/ to find out more about the elections on 6 May 2021. The page will be updated with new information as it becomes available. Any residents who have questions can also contact their local elections team at elections@reading.gov.uk