Preparations underway to make sure polling stations are safe for this year’s local elections and deadline approaches for voter registrations

Voting in person will be different this year with polling stations following the covid secure rules seen across shops and other indoor locations during the pandemic. This will include voters wearing masks, using hand sanitiser, social distancing and making sure items touched in the polling booths are cleaned. 

Staff will also be taking the necessary precautions to keep safe and have received additional training to help advise and support voters.

Voters are encouraged to bring their own masks and pen or pencil on the day to reduce wastage on the day, however, for those that need them they will be available. 

Some polling stations have had to change due to some usual polling locations being unsuitable during the pandemic and so voters are being urged to check their poll cards to make sure they know where their polling station is.

Residents are also being encouraged to make sure they are registered to vote, and if they want to, have applied for postal or proxy voting ahead of the rapidly approaching deadlines.

Residents can register to vote through the Government website which takes only five minutes to complete.

Residents can apply for postal voting now and have to get their application in before the deadline of 5 pm on 20 April and to be able to vote by proxy, applications must be in by 5 pm on Tuesday 27 April. 

Application forms for postal and proxy voting can be downloaded from the Electoral Commission or voters can visit the council website at westoxon.gov.uk/registertovote or contact us on 01993 861410. 

Keith Butler, Returning Officer for West Oxfordshire District District said, “We are taking all the steps needed to make sure voters this year are safe at the polling stations and feel comfortable voting in person. 

“People will by now be familiar with the precautions we must all take to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and our polling stations will be no different. If people can bring their own masks and pens we would really appreciate it.

“As a final reminder, I would urge everyone wanting to vote to make sure they have registered ahead of the required deadlines so that they have the chance to have their say in this year’s local elections.” 

“For anyone interested in voting by post this year they need to make sure we have received their application for their postal vote before 5 pm on the 20 April. We are quickly approaching the deadline and I would encourage people to sign up sooner rather than later.”