On Thursday 6 May 2021 residents in Blaenau Gwent will go to the polls to have their say on who represents them in the Senedd and on who will be the Police and Crime Commissioner for their local police force area.
While the elections are not until May, we’re already making plans to help you stay safe while casting your vote.
There are a number of ways to have your say in the elections in May - you can vote in a polling station, by post, or by appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf, which is known as a proxy vote.
Michelle Morris, Returning Officer for Blaenau Gwent and South Wales East said:
“The elections next year are very important – they’re an opportunity to make your voice heard and have a say on who represents you on issues that directly affect day-to-day life here in Blaenau Gwent.
“We’re thinking about these elections now so that, however you choose to cast your vote in May, 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.”
Rhydian Thomas, Head of Electoral Commission, Wales said:
“The choice on how to vote at next May’s elections is yours – you can have your say in person, by post or by proxy.
“If you’re thinking about voting by post, you can apply now. This will make sure your application is processed early, and your postal vote can be sent to you more quickly. It’s easy to apply and you can find out how by visiting the Electoral Commission website.
“You need to be registered to vote in order to have a say at the elections – the easiest way to register is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. Next year will be the first time 16-17 year olds and qualifying foreign citizens will be able to vote for Members of the Senedd (MSs), so it’s particularly important that if you’re going to vote at the Senedd elections, you make sure you’re on the electoral register.”
Residents can visit the FAQ page on the website at www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk to find out more about the elections on 6 May 2021. The page will be updated with new information as it becomes available. Any residents who have questions can also contact their local elections team at:
Electoral Services
- Telephone Number: 01495 355086/88
- The General Offices, Steelworks Road, Ebbw Vale NP23 6DN
- Email Address: electoralservices@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk