Preparations are well underway for COVID-safe elections in Cheshire West and Chester

On Thursday 6 May, voters across the borough will have the opportunity to elect a Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire.

There are borough council by-elections in Neston and Frodsham.   A Town Council election is taking place in Frodsham Waterside ward, and Parish Councils elections in Malpas and Moulton.  Neighbourhood Plan referendums will also be held for Clotton Hoofield, Darnhall and Utkinton & Cotebrook.

Returning officer, Andrew Lewis said “Polling stations across our borough will be safe places to cast your vote.  Our elections and public health teams have been working to ensure the highest standards of COVID-safety at all our sites and count centres.”

“I’d like to remind people coming to vote that they must wear a face covering, unless they have a valid exemption, and to bring their own pen or pencil.  We also ask that you once you’ve arrived at the polling station you follow signs and guidance from staff to adhere to social distancing.”

“Voters are reminded to check their poll card carefully as polling stations may have changed, to reduce pressure on schools, or because some usual sites are currently unavailable.”

“Over 50,000 of our residents have registered for a postal vote – a record number.  If you registered for a postal vote and haven’t yet received it, please contact our Electoral Services team on elreg@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk 01244 977 084. If you have changed your mind about a postal vote it is now too late to cancel it.  You cannot be given a new ballot at a polling station. ” 

Votes will be verified overnight after the polls close.  Votes will be counted on Friday 8 May for local and parish elections, with results expected early that evening.  The count for the Police and Crime Commissioner election will be held on Saturday 9 May, with results for the whole Cheshire Police area announced early that evening by the Returning Officer for Halton. 

Results for all the elections affecting this borough will be published by the Council online and through our social media channels as soon as they are available.