Check your polling station residents advised

Leeds City Council is encouraging residents to check their polling cards when they arrive this week, as a large number of polling stations have changed for Thursday 6 May elections.

Over 70 polling stations across the city have moved to ensure voting can happen with Covid-19 safe measures in place.

Voters are being asked to wear a mask and comply with other safety and social distancing measures. It is anticipated that only limited numbers will be permitted inside polling stations at any one time, which may mean queues are likely.

Poll cards are being sent to around 400,000 residents who currently opt to vote in person. Postal poll cards will also be sent to just under 200,000 residents who have chosen to receive their ballot papers by post. These cards will confirm when their postal ballot pack should arrive.

Voters are asked to consider whether they want to vote at a polling station this year or take advantage of other options available to them.

Households should have received a letter and postal forms earlier in the year but it is also possible to download a postal or proxy application form at www.leeds.gov.uk/elections, or request forms to be posted out by calling 0113 222 4411.

The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Tuesday 20 April, but residents are being asked to apply as soon as possible to help manage increased demand. The deadline for applications to vote by proxy is Tuesday 27 April.

Residents who are not already registered to vote can do so at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or by calling 0113 222 4411. The deadline for voter registration is 19 April.

John Mulcahy, Chief Officer for Elections and Regulatory at Leeds City Council, said:

“It is important to look out for your poll cards, which should be arriving this week. Because of changes due to the pandemic, we’re asking voters to be prepared.

“In particular I would encourage residents to check where their polling station will be, understand the changes to voting in person at these elections and to plan ahead.”