Residents can now apply for a safer way to vote in this year’s elections

Residents in the district can apply to receive a postal vote, for elections taking place in May.

On Thursday 6 May 2021 residents in the district will go to the polls to have their say on who represents them locally for Hampshire County Council and the Police & Crime Commissioner. Some ward areas across the district will also hold by-elections.

As a result of the coronavirus pandemic voters are being encouraged to think about voting by post and to register for a postal vote especially if they are clinically extremely vulnerable or are otherwise at high risk.

Letters are currently being sent to households in the district explaining the options available on how they can vote safety, either from the comfort of their own homes, by post, or by selecting someone to vote on their behalf – known as proxy.

East Hampshire District Council’s Returning Officer, Lydia Morrison, said: “Whilst every measure will be in place to ensure Polling stations will be a covid secure environment, the safe and easiest method to cast your vote this year will be by post.

“Applying for a postal vote is quick and easy.”

Anyone wishing to vote by post can apply before 5pm on Tuesday 20 April 2021 by simply visiting the Electoral Commission website. You must be registered to vote in order to have a say at the elections – the easiest way to register is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Completed forms can either be scanned and emailed to electoral.services@easthants.gov.uk or posted back to the address shown on the form.