West Sussex County Council and Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner elections called

PR2349/TS/MF - 30/03/2021

Elections for West Sussex County Council and the Police and Crime Commissioner for Sussex have been called for Thursday 6 May.

Residents across Mid Sussex will go to the polls to have their say on who represents them at West Sussex County Council and will also elect a Police & Crime Commissioner for the Sussex Police Area.

Candidate nominations have begun and will remain open until 4pm on Thursday 8 April 2021. Nomination forms are available from the Mid Sussex District Council elections office or online at www.midsussex.gov.uk/elections.

To assist anyone who is considering standing for election, guidance on becoming a candidate and the various election procedures is available on the Electoral Commission website at www.electoralcommission.org.uk.

Those who wish to stand as candidates for election to West Sussex County Council must deliver their completed nomination papers by hand to Mid Sussex District Council. An appointment is required and can be booked via elections@midsussex.gov.uk

Tom Clark, Returning Officer for Mid Sussex said:

“It’s important to make sure your voice is heard at the elections in May, and now is the time for residents to check that they are registered. Everyone who has moved to a new house recently and has not completed a voter registration form should apply online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or contact our Electoral Services Department as soon as possible because the registration deadline is Monday 19 April.

“These elections will take place at a time when Covid-19 continues to present a risk to public health, so if you’re voting in person, help to keep yourself and others safe by following the safety measures that will be in place at the polling station. Bringing your poll card will also help to speed up the voting process.

“If you wish to vote by post, don’t wait until the deadline to apply. Sending your application now will make sure it is processed early, and your postal vote can be sent to you more quickly once the candidates for the election are confirmed.”

The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Tuesday 20 April and anyone who wishes to appoint a proxy to vote on their behalf must do so by 5pm on Tuesday 27 April 2021. Residents who wish to appoint a proxy voter must explain why the proxy is required and if proxy voting is chosen for all future elections then evidence must be provided to support the application.

For those who vote in person, polling stations will be safe places to vote on 6 May. Voters are encouraged to keep themselves and others safe by:

  • Wearing a face covering
  • Bringing their own pen or pencil
  • Cleaning their hands when entering and leaving the polling station
  • Keeping a safe distance

Voters should not attend the polling station if they have symptoms of Covid-19, or if they have been asked to self-isolate. There will be provisions in place to apply for an emergency proxy vote if required due to health circumstances.

If you have any questions regarding nominations, voter registration or the electoral process please contact the Mid Sussex District Council Electoral Registration Office on 01444 477003 or email elections@midsussex.gov.uk.

ENDS