Voters urged to register in time to vote on 6 May

There will also be polls for the Wolvercote Neighbourhood Plan and a parish council by-election in Old Marston.

Make sure you’re registered

To vote in these important elections residents must be on the electoral register. The deadline to register to vote in the 6 May elections is fast approaching – midnight on 19 April 2021. Oxford City Council is urging people who have not registered at their current address to make sure they are registered in time.

It takes just five minutes to apply online at the register to vote website.

The City and County Councillors represent their local areas and residents, and contribute to the development of policies in areas such as transport, social care or housing. The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), oversees Thames Valley Police and ensures they are prioritising what matters to you.

“Time is running out to make sure you can take part in these elections. They are 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 Oxford and Oxfordshire. But if you’re not registered by 19 April, you won’t be able to vote.

“If you have recently turned 18 or moved home, it is particularly important that you act to ensure that you are registered to vote. If you were registered to vote in the last election and your details have not changed, you don’t need to take any action. If you’re in any doubt, you can check with Oxford City Council. Email the Elections Office or phone 01865 249811.”

Susan Sale, Electoral Registration Officer for Oxford City Council

Postal and proxy voting

Voters have a range of options for casting their ballot – in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote. For those who choose to vote in person, polling stations will be safe places to vote on 6 May. The City Council is taking additional measures to ensure that social distancing is maintained in polling stations as well as installing hand sanitisers and carrying out additional cleaning.

The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on 20 April, and for a proxy vote the deadline is 5pm on 27 April 2021.

If you had planned to attend a polling station in person on 6 May to cast your vote, and you, or someone in your household, has tested positive for coronavirus or has symptoms, please do not come to the polling station. Instead contact the Elections Office at Oxford City Council as early as possible in the day. They may be able to make emergency arrangements for you to vote by proxy.

For information on elections in their area, how to register to vote, or how to apply to vote by post or by proxy, voters can visit the Electoral Commission website.