Register to vote in time to have your say this May

On Thursday 6 May Cheshire East residents will go to the polls to have their say on who represents them as the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire.

There will also be a small number of local council by-elections and neighbourhood planning referenda that take place on that day.

In order to vote in these important elections, residents must be on the electoral register. With the deadline to register to vote fast approaching, Cheshire East Council is urging people who have not yet registered at their current address to make sure they are registered in time.

The deadline to register to vote is midnight on 19 April. It takes just five minutes to apply online.

The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) oversees your local police force and seeks to ensure they are prioritising what matters to you.

Although the elections are not until May, Cheshire East Council is already making plans to help you stay safe while casting your vote.  There are a number of ways to have your say in the May elections – you can vote in a polling station, by post or by appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf, which is known as a proxy vote.

Returning Officer Lorraine O’Donnell said: “If you are not already registered to vote at your current address, I would urge you to take just five minutes to register and ensure you can take part in these elections. 

“They are an opportunity to make your voice heard and have a say on who represents you on issues that directly affect day-to-day life here in Cheshire East. If you’re not registered by 19 April, you won’t be able to vote.

“If you have recently turned 18 or moved house, perhaps as a student moving back home, it is particularly important that you act to ensure that you are registered to vote.

“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, you can check with the council’s election team on 0300 123 5016.”

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 – which are open from 7am to 10pm – will be safe places to vote on 6 May. The deadline for completed applications to be received by the elections team for a postal vote is 5pm on 20 April, and the deadline for receipt of completed applications for a proxy vote is 5pm on 27 April.

For information on elections in your area, how to register to vote, or how to apply to vote by post or by proxy, voters can visit the Electoral Commission webpage. This page will continue to be updated ahead of the polls. 

Further information is also available on the council’s elections webpage.