Residents in the Dorset Council area will go to the polls for the Police and Crime Commissioner elections and several town/parish council by-elections on this day.

Referendums on Neighbourhood Plans are also planned for some Dorset towns and villages.

There are a number of ways to have your say in the elections and referendums – you can vote at a polling station in May, by post, or by appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf, which is known as a proxy vote.  You can download an application form to vote by post or proxy from the Electoral Commission website.  

Jonathan Mair, corporate director – Legal & Democratic, Dorset Council said, “We’re thinking about these elections now so that however you choose to cast your vote, you can do so safely.

“We’re putting arrangements in place to help you stay safe at the polling station; you can expect many of the measures you’ve become used to in shops and banks over recent months, such as hand sanitiser, floor markings and face masks. But you also have the option to apply to vote by post or by proxy.

“Legislation is in place for the elections to go ahead this May, and we will continue to work closely with the Electoral Commission to ensure everyone will be able to cast their vote safely and securely, in a way that suits them. This is being kept under review and any changes will be publicised.”

See the polls scheduled for May 2021 at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/elections. The page will be updated with new information as it becomes available. Dorset residents who have questions can also contact elections@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.