The title of this blog could refer to most reasonable folk reacting to the multitude of disappointing, distressing and divisive Tory policies and votes we have endured of late, and historically…
However, today I am a little more literal than that.
Local Elections 2021
We have now had confirmation that last year’s postponed local elections *will* take place in May 2021. As a candidate, this is a relief to me as we were due a fallow year anyhow in Sefton and therefore it doesn’t disrupt anyone else’s term.
The date for your diaries is Thursday 6th May 2021 and your polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm as usual.
Things will look a little different this year. We have had much more time to learn about Covid compliance and there as always been a degree of distancing to ensure confidentiality. This year, there will be additional measures to ensure voters feel safe, and are safe to exercise democracy.
ACE reasons to vote by post
There is a way to avoid the minimal risk of the polling station – apply for a postal vote. This year, more than ever, we expect a postal vote to be of benefit to voters for ACE reasons:
- Access – for multiple reasons, voters may experience difficulty getting to polling stations and casting their vote. This could be due to health, transport, caring responsibilities, location or simply the restriction of the one day only in-person voting option;
- Contingency – now more than ever we know how quickly things can change with our circumstances and wellbeing so getting your voice heard could be hampered – getting ahead of the vote can mitigate this. It is much more relaxing to apply for a postal vote ahead, than need a proxy vote nearer the time.
- Effectiveness – Postal votes were a vital element of the US Election last year and are credited with more voices being heard and counted; this is a fundamental part of democracy.
How do I vote by post?
It is a very simple process by visiting https://postalvote.labour.org.uk/
- Ensure you are registered to vote – if you aren’t you will be redirected by the aforementioned site. For ease the link to register is also here: https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
- When you have confirmed you are registered, you can then add your name, address, phone and email details – you can even choose to receive email and text reminders if this will help.
- Await your ballot then vote for your candidate – I hope that it is your Labour candidate!
I would urge you to apply and vote sooner rather than later!
What else will be different this year?
Due to additional measures for safety, as well as (hopefully) an increase in postal votes, the count will take a little longer.
In Southport, where I am standing, we usually learn who was elected within a few hours of the polls closing.
I attended the count as an observer in 2019 and it was a really enjoyable experience – not least because we added another three Labour councillors to the town, bringing the total to 5 in two years. The atmosphere was comradely, even between different parties, although tense for candidates. I also found the clear message of the few ballot spoilers to be informative.
Alas, I shall have to endure a sleepless night or two before I learn whether I get to join the wonderful Councillors Blackburne and Halsall in serving the people of Kew.