Going on holiday or having to self-isolate? You can still vote in the Police and Crime Commissioner Election

Wiltshire Council is urging people to not let their holiday plans or possible COVID self-isolation stop them from voting in the upcoming Police and Crime Commissioner election - with postal and proxy voting options available.

The election takes place on 19 August so it's likely that some people might be away, or self-isolating as a result of the pandemic.

If that's the case, then people can make sure they still have their say by applying for a postal vote or registering someone to vote on their behalf. There are some key dates to remember:

• The deadline for Wiltshire Council to receive new postal vote applications is 5pm on 4 August.
• For people wanting to appoint a proxy to vote on their behalf, the deadline for Wiltshire Council to receive these new proxy applications is 5pm on 11 August.
• If anything occurs on polling day itself that prevents someone from getting out to vote, then the deadline for receipt of an emergency proxy application to Wiltshire Council is 5pm on 19 August.
• If people want to vote they have to ensure they are on the electoral register by midnight on 3 August. Those who are already on the register do not need to re-register.

Terence Herbert, Police Area Returning Officer, said: "There is a reason that elections don't tend to happen in the middle of summer as it presents challenges for the electorate, but there are options available to ensure people can still vote.

"COVID is likely to also cause some of its own challenges at unexpected times, so it's important that people are organised ahead of 19 August."

More information about the election can be found at Police and Crime Commissioner election.

More information about the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon can be found at Wiltshire and Swindon Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) (opens new window).