On Thursday 6 May 2021 residents in Sandwell will go to the polls to have their say on who represents them.
Sandwell Council is already making plans to help people stay safe while casting their vote.
There are a number of ways to have your say in the May, when there will be local council elections as well as elections for the West Midlands Combined Authority Mayor and the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner on the same day.
Voters can cast their vote in a polling station, by post, or by appointing someone they trust to vote on their behalf, which is known as a proxy vote.
David Stevens, Sandwell Council’s Chief Executive and Electoral Registration Officer, said: “The elections next year 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 here in Sandwell.
“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, floor markings 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 next 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 in the first issue of postal votes in mid-April.
“It’s easy to apply and you can find out how by visiting the Electoral Commission website.
“You need to be registered to vote in order to have a say at the elections – the easiest way to register is online.”.
To find out more about the elections in Sandwell in May, and to register to vote or request a postal or proxy vote, go to the elections section of this website.
Residents can also visit the frequently asked questions page to find out more about the elections on 6 May 2021.
The website will be updated with new information as it becomes available. Any residents who have questions can also contact their local elections team by emailing electoral_services@sandwell.gov.uk or calling 0121 569 3244.
