Published on Monday 11 January 2021
On Thursday 6 May 2021, elections will be taking place in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole with electors voting in the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Election. There are also local council by-elections in the Canford Heath and Commons Wards and a Parish Council election for the new Throop & Holdenhurst Village Council.
Given the ongoing situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, BCP Council wants to give electors as much time as possible to change voting arrangements if voting in a polling station during the pandemic is not desired.
If individuals wish to vote by post, they can click the link at the bottom of this text for an application form.
Alternatively, individuals can contact the council by email at elections@bcpcouncil.gov.uk or by phone on 01202 123400 and a form will be sent to them.
Local Returning Officer and Chief Executive Graham Farrant said:
"We are making arrangements for the safe delivery of elections at Polling Stations within Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole which include many of the measures you’ve become used to in shops and banks over recent months, such as hand sanitiser, floor markings and face masks. We are also aware that a higher number of our electorate may wish to conduct their vote by post on this occasion, given the ongoing COVID-19 situation.
"The BCP Council area has a higher than average proportion of residents over the age of 65, so by nature we will be seeing a number of our residents having a higher level of vulnerability from the virus. Applying for a postal vote is an effective way for our local electors to still have their say on Thursday 6 May."
Completed applications can either be returned by email to elections@bcpcouncil.gov.uk or posted to Electoral Services, BCP Council, Town Hall, Bourne Avenue, Bournemouth, BH2 6DY.
In order to apply for a postal vote, an individual must be a registered elector within Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. If individuals need to register, the easiest way to do so is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote but alternatively they can contact the council by phone on 01202 123400 to do so.
Given the anticipated high volume of applications for postal votes, the council advises people to make their applications as soon as possible.
Download the Postal Vote application