Don’t forget to vote in the West of England Mayoral Election on Thursday 6 May

Don’t forget to vote in the West of England Mayoral Election on Thursday 6 May

Residents in Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire are being reminded to vote for their West of England Mayor on Thursday 6 May.

Polls are open from 7am to 10pm and registered voters can find their polling station via the online tool (created by the Democracy Club): www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk/find-a-polling-station/.

The Regional Mayor leads the West of England Combined Authority (WECA); leading the development of regional business, skills, housing and transport – issues that impact people living and working across the region.

WECA also leads on the recovery plan for the region, to make sure that the right support and infrastructure is in place for residents and businesses to drive the region’s recovery.

The four people standing in the West of England Mayoral election are:

  • NORRIS, Dan (Labour Party)
  • THOMAS, Jerome (Green Party)
  • WILLIAMS, Samuel Patrick Sutherland (The Conservative Party Candidate)
  • WILLIAMS, Stephen Roy (Liberal Democrat)

A booklet with details of the candidates has been posted to all electors and is also available online at westofengland-ca.gov.uk/election2021

Combined Authority Returning Officer, Shahzia Daya said: “It’s important to make sure your voice is heard at the elections on Thursday 6 May. You can vote either at a polling station, by post or by proxy. If you are on the electoral register, you do not need your poll card to vote.

“The West of England Mayoral election uses the supplementary voting system. You will have two votes – one for your first choice candidate and one for your second choice candidate.”

The election count will take place on Saturday 8 May. All the first choice votes will be counted, and if one candidate has received more than 50% of the votes they will be elected West of England Mayor. If no candidate has more than 50% of the votes then the two candidates with the most first choice votes will remain in the election and all other candidates are eliminated from the process. The ballot papers for the eliminated candidates are then checked. Any second choice votes for the two remaining candidates are added to their first round totals, and the candidate with the most votes wins.

The declaration will be live-streamed via the West of England Combined authority’s YouTube channel. If a candidate has more than 50% of the votes then the declaration is expected around lunchtime on Saturday 8 May. If it goes to a second round then is expected around mid-afternoon.

Polling stations will have safety precautions in place in line with the latest Covid-19 guidance. Voters can 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

People should not attend the polling station if they have symptoms of Covid-19, or if they have been asked to self-isolate. If you are self-isolating or become unwell as a result of Covid-19 shortly before polling day, or on the day itself, you may be able to apply for an emergency proxy vote. The electoral registration team at your local council will tell you what you need to do to arrange this.

For further information on the West of England Mayoral election visit westofengland-ca.gov.uk/election2021. This page will continue to be updated ahead of the polls.

Across the region there are also Police & Crime Commissioner elections taking place. In Bristol there will also be local elections and an election for a Bristol Mayor.

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