Charlton Village

COUNCIL chiefs have urged residents to apply early if they are thinking of voting by post or proxy in the upcoming May elections.Voters go to the polls on Thursday, May 6 to elect a new West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner and councillors to represent them on Worcestershire County Council.Arrangements are being made to make sure people can vote in person at these elections. Covid-19 Secure measures will be in place at polling stations including one-way systems, regular sanitising of common touchpoints and ventilation where possible. Because of this people may not be able to vote at their usual polling station so should check their poll card carefully when they start to arrive at the end of March/early April.Voters will also be asked to bring their own pen or pencil to make their mark on their ballot paper and will have to wear a face-covering unless legally exempt. Social distancing will also be in place.Anyone who would prefer to vote from the safety of their own home though can do so by applying for a postal vote or can send someone else to vote for them – known as a proxy vote.The deadline for applying for a postal vote for this election is April 20 at 5pm and a proxy vote at 5pm on April 27.