Polling stations will be safe places to vote on Thursday 6 May for anyone wishing to cast their ballot in person in the Hampshire County Council elections
A county-wide election takes place every four years, when voters in all 76 electoral County Council divisions choose who they want to run the range of essential local services that impact on all aspects of everyday life for 1.4 million people living in the Hampshire County Council area – from education, roads and social care for vulnerable children and adults, to access to the countryside and libraries.
District councils administer the County Council’s elections on behalf of John Coughlan, the County Returning Officer and County Council Chief Executive. Therefore, polling cards, and applications for postal and proxy votes have been issued by district councils for residents living in their area.
John Coughlan said: “We want to make sure that everyone who is entitled to vote is able to do so safely and securely, and in line with Public Health guidance. If you plan to vote in person on Thursday 6 May, do remember to double check your polling card as there have been a small number of changes to usual polling stations for COVID reasons. There will be no change to the hours of polling which is from 7am to 10pm.
“Polling stations will be safe places, and we have been working closely with Government, members of the electoral community and our Public Health teams which will ensure the latest official guidance is followed and COVID-safe measures will be in place.
“Voters casting their ballot in person can also keep themselves and others safe by wearing a face covering, bringing their own pen or pencil, cleaning their hands when entering and leaving the polling station and keeping a safe distance.
“If you are self-isolating or become unwell as a result of COVID-19 shortly before polling day, or on the day of polling itself, you can also obtain an emergency proxy vote. Speak to the electoral registration team at your local district or borough council who will tell you what you need to do to arrange this. But please do not go out to vote if you have symptoms of COVID-19, or if you have been asked to self-isolate.”
The elections on 6 May will be a combined poll for Hampshire County Councillors, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire, district and borough councillors in some areas, and some parish/town councillors.
For information on voting and the elections visit the County Council’s elections webpages: www.hants.gov.uk/aboutthecouncil/electionsandvoting.
View the list of candidates standing for election in each County Council electoral division.
Counting in the Hampshire County Council elections will be undertaken by district and borough councils, at locations across Hampshire’s 11 districts. Counting of votes for the County Council election will take place on Friday 7 May.
Up-to-the minute results as each division is declared will be available on the County Council’s elections webpages at www.hants.gov.uk/aboutthecouncil/electionsandvoting.
