Countdown is on for local elections
20 Apr 2021 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
With Local Government and Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Elections just a few weeks away, work is well underway to ensure that residents can vote safely on polling day.
The elections are taking place on Thursday May 6 and will give voters a real opportunity to influence what happens in their community by selecting their local council representatives for the next four years.
To find out the candidates standing for election on May 6 go to > https://nland.uk/whoisstanding
Northumberland County Councillors are there to represent the views and opinions of local people and are a voice and a leader for their local community. They help decide how the county council should carry out its various functions and how multi-million-pound budgets are spent.
In some communities, parish and town council elections will also be taking place.
On the same day, residents will also be able to vote for who they would like to be the next Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) for the Northumbria police area. PCCs oversee how crime is tackled in the local police force area; Their aim is to cut crime and to ensure the police force is effective.
Kelly Angus, Returning Officer and deputy chief executive of Northumberland County Council said: “Despite the challenges of the past year, this election is something we’ve been working on as a council for many months and it is really important Northumberland residents use their vote and make their voice heard on election day.
“With lockdown restrictions easing, polling stations will be open as normal on May 6, but the County Council is working to ensure that, in line with Government guidance, to make sure they are safe for voters and the staff who work there.
“For those who choose to vote in person, they can expect to see many of the measures they’ve become used to in shops and banks over recent months. Hand sanitisers, divider screens at polling desks and social distancing markers and face coverings will all be in place at polling stations to keep voters safe. “
There are a number of ways that people can vote. In person at the polling station, by postal vote or by proxy – where someone votes on your behalf. While the deadline to apply for a postal vote has now passed, residents have until April 27 to apply for a proxy vote if they so wish. For further details email: elections@northumberland.gov.uk.
A new emergency proxy vote will be available until 5pm on polling day, so anyone who is self-isolating or suffering from coronavirus can request a vote at the last minute.