'Don't lose your vote this May' - Wakefield Council urges people to make sure they have a voice

Residents who have not yet registered to vote have until midnight on April 19 to make sure they are registered, in order to vote in the local district and West Yorkshire Combined Authority Mayoral elections on May 6, and are being asked to consider how they will cast their vote.

Polling cards are now being delivered to households in the district, which include details of the local polling station and times of polling. Some polling stations have changed this year so it is important to check the polling card carefully before setting off to vote. Visit Where I Live - Wakefield Council for polling station details and directions on election day.

Anyone who is registered to vote but has not received their poll card by 1 April should contact the Electoral Services on 01924 305023 or by emailing [email protected]

Voting in person will still be available for those who would like to and social distancing and other safety measures will be in operation in polling stations. However, polling stations may be busier with longer wait times due to social distancing.

For those who would prefer not to vote in person, there is the option to vote by post or by proxy.

Those who would prefer to vote by post are encouraged to apply to do so as early as possible, but must first be registered to vote before making an application.

The deadline to apply for a new postal vote or to make changes to an existing absent vote is 5pm on 20 April. Anyone needing help, or who wants a form sending to them, should call 01924 305023 or email [email protected]

Application forms for postal votes are available at www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voter or complete an application online which can be found on the Council’s website.

Gillian Marshall, Wakefield Council’s Electoral Registration Officer, said: “Poll cards are now being delivered to people who have registered to vote. If you don’t receive yours then you will need to make sure you are registered.

“Even if you think you are already registered, it’s important to double check. Many people think they are automatically registered because they pay council tax, but this isn’t true. Registering is quick and easy, so make sure you’re registered before the deadline.”

It is quick and simple to register by visiting www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. People will need their date of birth and National Insurance number to be able to register. They can also opt to have their details excluded from the ‘open register’, meaning that the information cannot be used for direct marketing.

Those aged 16 and 17 can also register to vote so that they will be eligible to vote in the next election after their 18th birthday. If you will be 18 by 6 May, you can register.

Anyone who has moved house recently, or changed other details such as their name, may not be registered correctly so should contact Electoral Services to check by calling 01924 305023 or by emailing [email protected].

Nominations for May’s local elections are now open and close at 4pm on Thursday 8 April.

Information for prospective candidates, including nomination papers and supporting documentation and guidance, is available at Information for candidates - Wakefield Council.

Details of all the successfully nominated candidates will be published on the Council’s website by 4pm on 9 April.

Anyone wanting to submit a nomination paper is advised to book an appointment by calling 01924 305023 or email [email protected]

For more information, please visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/elections