Residents in Mansfield will go to the polls on Thursday, 6th May to have their say in elections for Nottinghamshire County Council and for the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner.

While the elections are some time away, Mansfield District Council is already making plans to help people stay safe while casting your votes.

There are a number of ways to vote in these elections: at a polling station in person; by appointing someone you trust to vote in person on your behalf at a polling station, which is known as a proxy vote; or by post.

Hayley Barsby, returning officer for Mansfield District Council, said: “The elections are very important, they’re an opportunity to make your voice heard and have a say on who represents you on issues that directly affect day-to-day life in this district.

“We’re thinking about these elections now, so that however you choose to cast your vote in May, you can do so safely.

“We’re putting arrangements in place to help you stay safe at the polling station; you can expect many of the measures you’ve become used to in shops and banks over recent months, such as hand sanitiser, social distancing signs and face masks. But you also have the option to apply to vote by post or by proxy.”

Ailsa Irvine, director of electoral administration and guidance at the Electoral Commission, said: “The choice on how to vote at this May’s elections is yours – you can have your say in person, by post or by proxy.

“If you’re thinking about voting by post, you can apply now. This will make sure your application is processed early, and your postal vote can be sent to you more quickly. It’s easy to apply and you can find out how by visiting the Electoral Commission website.”

Everyone eligible to vote must be registered first. The easiest way to register is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Residents can visit the Elections 2021 page on the website at https://www.mansfield.gov.uk/elections/ to find out more about the elections on 6 May 2021. The page will be updated with new information as it becomes available.

Any residents who have questions can also contact their local elections team at the council at [email protected] or call 01623 463345.