Register to vote in the upcoming local elections

Residents of Chichester District are being reminded to register to vote in the run up to the West Sussex County Council and Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner elections on 6 May 2021.

A by-election will also be taking place on 6 May to elect a new Councillor for the Chichester City Council West Ward.

To cast their vote in these elections, people must register to vote by midnight on 19 April. Registering can be done online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Residents who are unable to go to the polling station, or who would prefer not to, can apply to vote by post. A link to download a postal vote application form can be found at www.chichester.gov.uk/howtovote, or you can request a form by calling 01243 521010. Voters can also apply to vote by proxy.

Application forms for postal and postal proxy votes, and changes to existing postal votes, must be received by 5pm on 20 April. Forms can be returned by email to: elections@chichester.gov.uk, as long as they are signed and include the applicant’s date of birth.

Polling cards will be sent out to registered voters at the end of March, and people are being reminded to check their polling station on this card as it may have changed.

On election day, a number of extra precautions are being put into place to make sure that polling stations are safe and COVID-secure for voters and staff:

  • Polling stations will be cleaned regularly throughout the day.
  • Voters can bring their own pen or pencil, however, pencils will be provided and sanitised between uses.
  • There will be a limit to the number of people in the polling station to maintain social distancing, so voters may need to queue.
  • Voters must wear a face covering (unless medically exempt).

If you would prefer to vote by post or proxy, then it is important that you register to do this by 5pm on 20 April 2021.

For more information about the West Sussex County Council elections, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner elections, and the Chichester City Council by-election, please visit www.chichester.gov.uk/elections.

Notice Date: 01/04/2021