Residents are being urged to take up postal voting to avoid pandemic related complications at polling stations.
On Thursday 6 May 2021 elections are scheduled to elect councillors to Leeds City Council and a mayor for the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
A devolution deal for West Yorkshire was signed into law on Friday 29 January, which will see the combined authority mayor given new powers in the region.
Currently elections are planned to take place despite Covid-19, but some disruption is anticipated due to changes to polling stations, as some locations are unsuitable for social distancing.
Distancing measures are likely to be in place meaning there could be queues and voters will be asked to wear a mask or face-covering if able to do so and use hand sanitiser as well as other safety measures.
The council is encouraging voters to ease potential strain on polling stations by using a postal vote instead. For the general election in December 2019, more than one in five of those people who voted did so by post.
Households will shortly receive a letter and forms by post, but it is also possible to download an application form at www.leeds.gov.uk/your-
If the elections are postponed, all postal vote applications made for 6 May will be valid for the rescheduled date. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact our Helpline on (0113) 222 4411, or email: electors@leeds.gov.uk
Tom Riordan, Returning Officer and Chief Executive at Leeds City Council, said:
“It is always important people exercise their democratic right, and an easy way to do so, in the safest way possible, is by registering for postal voting. If you do, you can opt to vote by post at future elections. This will be one of the most logistically challenging elections we’ve ever seen, and it is important we do everything we can to make them happen as smoothly as possible.”
This post is based on a press release issued by Leeds City Council
What about debating the managed zone in holbeck or is it rubber stamp already yours Mike scott residant