WITH the local election polls opening in Warrington this Thursday, 6 May, for the borough, town and parish elections and for Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Cheshire election, residents are being reminded that they can still take part, even if they need to self-isolate.
By law, residents must self-isolate if they test positive for coronavirus, or they have been instructed to self-isolate by the Test and Trace programme. However, you can still participate in the local elections on Thursday 6 May if you cannot leave your home due to the need to self-isolate.
Proxy voting on the grounds of coronavirus
If you cannot attend your polling station as a result of following coronavirus advice including the need to self-isolate, you can appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf.
You will need to complete a proxy application, available on the Electoral Commission website, and make sure that this reaches the council’s local elections office by 5pm on the day of poll. Someone else would then be able to vote on your behalf, as long as they too are registered to vote and are able to attend your polling station on the day.
If your nominated proxy is subsequently unable to attend the polling station due to following coronavirus advice themselves, including the need to self-isolate, you can change the person who you have appointed. You will need to complete a new application for emergency proxy and ensure that this reaches our election’s office by 5pm on the day of poll.
Chief Executive at Warrington Borough Council, Professor Steven Broomhead MBE, who is Returning Officer for the local elections, said: “It’s important that people are able to take part in the elections this year, even if they have to self-isolate. Through the emergency proxy, people can still participate. Your vote matters, and even if your voting plans change on the day of polls opening due to coronavirus, you can make sure you still have the opportunity to take part.”
For more information about the elections on Thursday 6 May, including emergency proxies, visit warrington.gov.uk/elections2021
