There’s just a week to go before voting day on May 5, and Warrington Borough Council’s elections team is busy making final preparations.
Three elections will be taking place on the day. Voters in Warrington will be electing councillors to local government, parish councils, and a police and crime commissioner for Cheshire.
Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on 5 May.
As some ward boundaries have changed, some residents may need to vote at a different polling station than they have done previously, so please make sure you check which polling station you should vote at. It will be indicated on your polling card.
Further information about the boundary changes can be found at the Boundary Commission – http://www.lgbce.org.uk/current-reviews/north-west/cheshire/warrington-unitary-authority-ua
To find out who all the candidates are for each election and for more information about the elections, go to https://www.warrington.gov.uk/elections2016
Here are some answers to popular questions about voting:
Who can vote?
You must be registered to vote, be at least 18 years old on polling day, be British or be a Commonwealth or Republic of Ireland citizen living in the UK.
My postal vote hasn’t arrived – what do I do?
Contact the elections team on 01925 44 2184.
I have received a postal vote but I want to vote in person
Unfortunately you must use the postal vote sent to you as your ballot papers have already been issued to you.
I have lost my postal vote
You will need to call 01925 44 2184 to request a new one.
I have lost my polling card – can I still vote?
Yes – just attend your polling station and give your name and date of birth.
What about disabled voters?
To help blind and partially sighted voters, there are large print ballot papers and a “tactile device” in each polling station. All of our polling stations are now more accessible for wheelchair users – but if a voter is unable to enter the polling station because of physical disability, the presiding officer may take the ballot paper to them. If you need help completing your vote ask for assistance at the station.
Proxy ballots are allowed for those unable to vote because of disability, or the help of the presiding officer may be requested. If you have any problems on election day, you should call 01925 44 2184.
What is on the ballot paper?
You will be given an officially marked ballot paper listing all the candidates in alphabetical order of surname, with the description of their party, if they have one. You place an X in the boxes beside your chosen candidates. The Ballot paper will tell you how many candidates you are allowed to vote for.
Is it compulsory to vote?
No, people cannot be forced to vote.
Is my vote secret?
The ballot paper contains a serial number. The number is there to prevent electoral fraud and details of what ballot paper an individual receives is only revealed if there is an election petition. How you vote is completely secret.
If you haven’t registered to vote yet, you won’t be able to vote in the May elections, but you can still register now to make sure you can vote in the EU Referendum on 23 June.
It’s quick and easy to register to vote, you can do it online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote, or you can email[email protected], or call 01925 44 2184.
If you have any specific queries about the elections or voting on 5 May, contact electoral services on 01925 442184 or email [email protected].
