Voters urged to register in time for elections on 6 May

With local elections taking place on Thursday 6 May 2021, voters in the Shropshire Council area are being urged to make sure they are registered to vote and able to take part on polling day.

Elections are being held for Shropshire Council, town councils, parish councils, and for the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, and people are being reminded that they need to register by the deadline of Monday 19 April 2021 if they want to vote.

To register to vote, visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Voters have a range of options for casting their ballot – in person, by post, or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote.

For those who choose to vote in person, polling stations will be safe places to vote on 6 May, with social distancing measures in place, and people are being asked to bring their own pen or pencil.

The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Tuesday 20 April, and for a proxy vote the deadline is 5pm on Tuesday 27 April. People wishing to apply are encouraged to do so as soon as possible.

Claire Porter, Shropshire Council’s director of legal and democratic services – and returning officer – said:

“Time is running out to make sure you can take part in elections this May, so I’d encourage everyone in the Shropshire Council area to act now if they’re not already registered to vote. It’s quick and easy to register, but after the deadline of 19 April it will be too late.

“If you were registered to vote in the last election and your details have not changed, you don’t need to take any action. If in doubt, please contact us on 0345 678 9015.”

 Ailsa Irvine, director of electoral administration and guidance at the Electoral Commission said:

“You can’t have your say in these important elections unless you are registered to vote. It’s quick and easy – it takes just five minutes online at www.gov.uk/registertovote.

“If you have recently turned 18 or moved home it is particularly important that you act to ensure that you are registered to vote.”

For information on elections in the Shropshire Council area, how to register to vote, or how to apply to vote by post or by proxy, voters can visit www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voter. This page will continue to be updated ahead of the polls.