On Thursday May 6th, the people of Nottinghamshire will vote to say who will represent them on Nottinghamshire County Council.
The pandemic and current lockdown are likely to make voting in this year’s election a different experience for people.
Voters visiting polling stations are asked to wear a mask unless they have a valid exemption, bring their own pen or pencil, and adhere to social distancing.
Also, some people may find that their regular polling station is not being used because it may be a school and there is a desire not to close it, or because it is somewhere where it is not possible to be socially distant.
County council elections take place every four years and a total of 66 county council seats are awarded, representing 56 areas of Nottinghamshire.
The council is currently governed by a coalition of the Conservative Party (32 seats) and the Mansfield Independents (four seats). Labor has 22 seats, Ashfield Independents six seats, Liberal Democrats one seat and one seat for independent councilor Maureen Dobson.
Council Chairperson Councilor Kay Cutts announced last October that she would not run for re-election.
City councils are responsible for making decisions about the operation of services, including housing, education, transportation, planning, parks, leisure, fire and public safety, social welfare and waste management.
Nottingham City Council also holds elections for the entire City Council every four years, but they won’t be due again until 2023.
However, voters in the Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottingham City Council areas will have the option to vote for the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner on May 6, provided they are registered to vote by Monday April 19.
The Nottinghamshire County Council election will be officially scheduled for Monday 29 March. Nominations for potential candidates ran from March 29th to April 8th. After that, they were made public.
Placing a voting paper in a ballot box
(Image: PA)
Take a look at the answers to these voting questions:
Q: When is the deadline for voting?
A: That’s over now.
For future elections, you can register to vote through:
You need your social security number. Although you can register to vote at the age of 16 or 17, you cannot vote until you are 18. If you previously registered to vote, there is no need to register again unless you have moved or changed your name.
Q: What if I miss this deadline?
A: You cannot vote on Thursday May 6th.
Q: How do I know where to vote?
A: The district council will send a voting card before the election if you are eligible to vote. Here you can find out the date of the election, your local polling station and the voting times from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Q: How do I request the postal vote and what happens next?
A: The deadline for this has now expired.
In future elections, however, it should be noted that anyone registered to vote can request a postal vote instead of voting at a polling station. This can be a permanent agreement or just a choice.
Download a request to vote by mail from this website or contact the District Council. On the form you will be asked for your date of birth and a sample of your signature.
If you applied on time, once you have received your postal vote (usually 10 working days before an election) you must complete it and make sure the council receives it by 10 p.m. on election day for it to count
If you have applied for postal voting or voting by proxy, you will receive a postal voting package or voting by proxy before the election.
Q: How do I apply for proxy voting?
A: You can designate a proxy to vote on your behalf at your local polling station or by mail.
Download a proxy voting application from this website or contact the district council. On the form, you will be asked to indicate why you cannot vote in person. The Council requires this by law.
To qualify for proxy, the proxy and voter must be successfully registered in order to vote.
Q: What is the final deadline to request proxy prior to an election?
A: The deadline is Tuesday April 27th.
Q: What if I have a medical emergency or am recalled before election day for professional reasons and unable to vote?
A: In this case, you may be able to request an emergency proxy. Download an application form to vote by proxy (emergency) or contact the district council.
The council must receive the application by 5 p.m. on election day at the latest. For medical emergency applications, this must be supported and signed by a registered doctor, registered nurse or Christian academic practitioner.
If you are in a dormitory or sheltered apartment, the matron, home care manager, or guard can assist with your application. An emergency work application must be supported by your employer.
Q: Who can vote on my behalf?
A: Anyone can be your proxy as long as they are eligible to vote in UK elections and are willing to vote on your behalf.
One person cannot represent more than two people in an election unless he is a close relative. The law defines a close relative as a husband / wife, domestic partner, parent, grandparent, brother, sister, son or daughter, or grandson / daughter.
Consult with the council if you want to confirm that someone might qualify to be your alternate.
Q: What is a polling station?
A: On election day, voters can visit one of dozen polling stations. Across Nottinghamshire these are usually located in community centers such as community centers, pubs, village halls and other public buildings. When you receive your voting card, you will find out which polling station you have to attend that day. All polling stations are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Polling stations are run by chairpersons and election officers to ensure that everything runs smoothly and legally.
Q: Will my regular polling station be used?
A: Check the location of your polling station before driving as you may need to go to a different location this year to vote. You can check this on your survey card or on whereedoivote.co.uk. You have to vote at your polling station – you cannot vote at another polling station.
Q: What will be different at my polling station?
- You are not allowed to visit the polling station if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been asked to self-isolate based on a positive test or contact tracing. You can still cast your vote by requesting an emergency proxy before 5:00 p.m.
- Face covering must be worn at the polling station unless you are exempted from it.
- Please bring a pen or pencil to mark the ballot. Pencils are also available at the polling station and are disinfected after each use.
- The number of voters who can be admitted to a broadcaster at the same time is limited.
- Social distancing is enforced during the queue and throughout the voting process. Please adhere to one-way systems, floor markings, signage and instructions from polling station staff.
- Hand disinfectants are provided when entering and leaving the polling station. Voting booths, pens, door handles and frequently touched surfaces are cleaned regularly.
- There will be a clear plexiglass screen to protect staff and voters at each voting table
These actions may mean waiting in line or waiting longer than usual to cast your vote. Avoid busy times when you can, such as before and after work, after school, and at lunchtime.
Q: What happens when Election Day ends?
A: Ballot papers are counted – usually the next day. Once the census is verified and announced by the returning officer, the results will be confirmed and posted online and on notice boards.
Nottinghamshire Live will be reporting on the local elections in the weeks leading up to May 6th and we will also be reporting live on the results as they occur.