Deadline for proxy vote looms

ANYONE wanting to apply for a proxy vote for the election must do so before 5pm today (Wednesday, December 4).

Completed forms must be received by the Cheshire East Council elections team before this deadline.

This allows a voter to nominate a trusted person to cast a vote on their behalf.

Cheshire East Council is also urging people to return their completed postal vote in plenty of time before 10pm on Thursday, December 12 - the postal deadline.

However, officers are asking voters to complete and return their postal vote papers as quickly as possible, because sufficient time must be allowed for these to be returned through the post before the deadline.

People are advised to follow the instructions enclosed in the postal vote pack carefully. For a postal vote to be valid, electors must return both the ballot paper and the correctly completed postal voting statement.

Postal voters need to complete the postal voting statement accurately, with their date of birth and signature.

Kath O’Dwyer, acting returning officer for the four parliamentary constituencies of Crewe and Nantwich, Congleton, Macclesfield and Tatton, said: “I would urge everyone who has opted for a postal vote to fill in their pack and return it as soon as possible – and not leave it until the last minute.

“It is really important for the health and vitality of our democracy that people, who are eligible, exercise their right to vote and have their say on the issues that affect us all – and that they don’t miss the deadline to make their ballot count.

“If you don’t vote, you don’t have a voice – so I would urge everyone, who is eligible, to take the time to vote and be heard.”

Anyone looking for more information about voting should visit the website: www. yourvotematters.co.uk

On polling day, Thursday 12 December, polling stations will be open between 7am and 10pm. Information about voting at this election is available from the Electoral Commission at: www.yourvotematters.co. uk