ON THURSDAY, May 6, 2021 residents in East Sussex will go to the polls to have their say on who represents them at East Sussex County Council.

While the County Council elections are not until May, we’re already making plans to help you stay safe while casting your vote.

There are a number of ways to have your say in the election in May – you can vote in a polling station, by post, or by appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf, which is known as a proxy vote.

The elections next year are very important – they’re an opportunity to make your voice heard and have a say on who represents you on issues that directly affect day-to-day life here in East Sussex.

We’re thinking about these elections now so that, however you choose to cast your vote in May, you can do so safely. We’re putting arrangements in place to help you stay safe at the polling station; you can expect 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. But you also have the option to apply to vote by post or by proxy

Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance at the Electoral Commission said: “The choice on how to vote at next May’s elections is yours – you can have your say in person, by post or by proxy.

“If you’re thinking about voting by post, you can apply now. This will make sure your application is processed early, and your postal vote can be sent to you more quickly. It’s easy to apply and you can find out how by visiting the Electoral Commission website.

“You need to be registered to vote in order to have a say at the elections – the easiest way to register is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote”

Any resident who has further questions can also contact their local elections team as follows:

Residents from Eastbourne: elections@eastbourne-lewes.gov.uk or 01323 410000

Residents from Hastings: electoralservices@hastings.gov.uk or 01424 451087

Residents from the Lewes District area: electoral@lewes-eastboune.gov.uk or 01273 471600

Residents from the Rother District area: elections@rother.gov.uk or 01424 787829

Residents from the Wealden District area: elections@wealden.gov.uk or 01892 602417