Fareham Borough Council is encouraging residents who are currently shielding, or have recently been advised to shield, to apply for a postal vote for the local elections before the 20th April deadline.
There are millions of people across the country currently shielding from COVID-19 in their homes. An additional 1.7million people have now been added to the shielding list in England, following guidance which takes into account factors such as ethnicity, deprivation, weight, age, underlying health issues and prescribed medications.
This year’s elections take place on Thursday 6th May 2021 and are for the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire, Hampshire County Council and Fareham Borough Council.
While Fareham Borough Council has put plans in place to keep residents safe when casting their vote at polling stations, it is also encouraging any residents who may not feel comfortable mixing with others or being in a public setting to apply for a postal vote to ensure they have their say.
The deadline to apply to vote by post is Tuesday 20th April and could not be easier. Residents are invited to call the Elections Team at Fareham Borough Council on 01329 824588. Ballot papers will be sent directly to resident’s homes, along with a pre-paid return envelope. Residents can also apply online by filling in this simple form.
After Tuesday 20th April, if a resident is unable to get to a polling station to vote due to illness or self-isolation etc, they can contact the Elections Team who will be happy to help set up a proxy vote. This is where a trusted representative is nominated to vote on the resident’s behalf.
Full details about the new shielding guidance can be found on gov.uk. More information about local elections can be found at www.fareham.gov.uk/elections
