Councils set for surge in pandemic postal votes for this year's local elections

COUNCILS are gearing up for more people to vote by post in the local elections in May, due to the pandemic.

On 6th May New Forest residents are set to go to the polls to choose their Hampshire county councillors and the police and crime commissioner (PCC).

In the BCP Council area voters will also be electing a new PCC for Dorset as well as holding two by-elections, including one for the Commons ward in Christchurch previously held by the late Cllr Colin Bungey.

The council is getting ready for an expected surge in postal ballots, said Graham Farrant, BCP chief executive and local returning officer.

He said: "We are making arrangements for the safe delivery of elections at polling stations which include many of the measures you’ve become used to in shops and banks over recent months, such as hand sanitiser, floor markings and face masks.

"The BCP Council area has a higher-than-average proportion of residents over the age of 65, so by nature we will be seeing a number of our residents having a higher level of vulnerability from the virus.

“Applying for a postal vote is an effective way for our local electors to still have their say on Thursday 6th May."

To apply for a postal vote online visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-postal-vote and download a form to complete.

BCP residents should email it to elections@bcpcouncil.gov.uk or post to Electoral Services, BCP Council, Town Hall, Bourne Avenue, Bournemouth, BH2 6DY.

NFDC residents should email electoralservices@nfdc.gov.uk or post to Electoral Services, New Forest District Council, Appletree Court, Beaulieu Road, Lyndhurst, SO43 7PA.