As the day of the election draws closer, I would like to make a few points here. If you haven’t already applied for your vote by Post or Proxy and plan to vote in person, we have some vital information to take into account. I urge all of you to please follow the safety protocols for your own safety as well as that of others. 

In spite of the current situation, voting in person will be safe if you follow certain guidelines. All the necessary precautions will be taken at the polling stations to ensure maximum safety. When visiting the voting station, please make sure that you keep yourself and others safe by doing the following: 

·         Make sure to wear an appropriate face covering
·         Carry your own pen or pencil
·         Sanitise your hands while entering and leaving the polling station
·         Maintain a safe distance from others
·         If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been asked to self-isolate, kindly refrain from visiting the polling station

The voting centre authorities will be working closely with Hampshire’s expert Public Health teams to prepare for the elections and make sure that the most up to date guidance is being followed to maintain the safety of the residents.

Although the deadline to apply for a proxy vote was 5pm on 27 April, anyone who is self-isolating can still request a proxy vote at the last minute – up to 5pm on polling day itself. If you already have a proxy appointed but the proxy is then affected by COVID-19, you can make an alternative proxy arrangement. It remains vital that people who need to self-isolate continue to do so.

For those who have already sent their postal votes, I thank you all. For those voting on the day, I am counting on your support on May 6th. Vote for me and I won’t let you down.