Residents reminded to look out for poll cards ahead of the local election
Residents should look out for their poll card for information about where they can cast their vote ahead of the local elections on Thursday, 6 May.
Published: Friday, 26th March 2021
All registered voters in Swindon will start to receive their poll cards from today (26 March). The poll cards will include details of the date of the poll, polling station locations and opening times. If residents have applied to vote by proxy or postal vote, they will receive a poll card which will inform them of their voting preference along with details of the deadline to cancel their vote.
This year, some polling station locations may be different to usual due to the pandemic, so it’s more important than ever that residents look out for their poll card and the information included on them. Residents do not need to take their poll card with them in order to vote, however, any resident who is not registered by the deadline (19 April) will be unable to vote on polling day.
Residents who would like to submit a postal vote must apply by 5pm on Tuesday, 20 April. Residents who would like to vote by proxy must apply by 5pm on Tuesday, 27 April. This applies to new postal vote and proxy applications as well as changes to existing postal or postal proxy votes.
This deadline does not include emergency proxy applications.
If residents become ill or have to self-isolate due to coronavirus after the close of the proxy voting registration, they will be able to apply for an emergency proxy up to 5pm on the day of the election.
Matt Box, Electoral Services Manager for Swindon Borough Council, said:
“This year, it’s more important than ever that residents look out for their poll card and check the information on them as their polling station location may be different to usual.
"We're making sure polling stations are safe places to vote on 6 May but options are available for anyone who would prefer to vote by post or proxy. Find out more at www.swindon.gov.uk/postalvoting."
The names of candidates standing for election are due to be published on the Swindon Borough Council website on Friday, 9 April.
A list of the elections taking place on Thursday, 6 May are available to view at:
www.swindon.gov.uk/info/20073/elections_and_voting/937/forthcoming_elections