Voters urged to register in time to have their say in May

11 March 2021 | District

On Thursday 6 May residents in South Somerset will have their say on who represents them at the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner election, some town and parish council by-elections and also neighbourhood plan referendums in Queen Camel and Martock are also taking place.

In order to vote in these important elections, residents must be on the electoral register. With the deadline to register to vote fast approaching, South Somerset District Council is urging people who have not registered at their current address to make sure they are registered in time.

The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Monday 19 April. It takes just five minutes to apply online at gov.uk/register-to-vote.

This year residents in South Somerset could be voting in three different elections, depending on where you live:

If you live in the following parishes (Chard Town - Holyrood Ward, Crewkerne Town, Haslebury Plucknett, Kingsbury Episcopi, Somerton Town, South Petherton, Wincanton Town), you will be voting to fill vacant Parish Councillor roles in your town and parish council.
The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), who oversees your local police force and ensures they are prioritising what matters to you
Neighbourhood Plan referendums in Queen Camel and Martock

Roger Quantock, Elections Specialist for South Somerset District Council, said: “These elections are an important 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 South Somerset. If you’re not registered by 19 April, you won’t be able to vote.”

Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance at the Electoral Commission said: “You can’t have your say in these important elections unless you are registered to vote. It’s quick and easy – it takes just five minutes online at www.gov.uk/registertovote.

“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 in doubt, you can check with your local authority on 01935 462462.”

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

For more information on the Town and Parish Council elections in South Somerset, please visit www.southsomerset.gov.uk/elections-and-voting.