With Plymouth's mayoral referendum just over a week away on Thursday 17th July, concerns are growing among Plymouth's postal voters who have lost or torn up their postal votes, believing that the referendum is no longer happening.
But don't worry, Plymouth Plus is here to cut through the bureaucratic red tape and give you the clear, simple advice you need. As the city braces for a decision that could reshape its political landscape for years to come, ensuring every voice is heard is crucial.
If your postal ballot pack for the Plymouth Mayoral Referendum hasn't arrived or you've lost or even destroyed it, you can get a replacement.
On Thursday, 17th July, you can help preserve democracy by voting in your Plymouth referendum for a Mayor.
Here's Plymouth Plus's no-nonsense guide to making sure you can still have your say.
From Friday 11th July until 5pm on Thursday 17th July, you can request a replacement postal vote.
Between Friday 11th July until 5pm on Wednesday 16th July, you just need to email postal.vote@plymouth.gov.uk or call 01752 304866.
After 5 pm on Wednesday 16th July, you can't just phone up – you'll need to visit them in person at Ballard House, West Hoe Road, Plymouth, PL1 3BJ and asking for the Electoral Registration Office. To get your replacement, you will need to provide evidence of your identity, so make sure you take a valid form of photo ID with you.
You will have to sign a declaration, and once a replacement is issued, the original ballot paper is cancelled. So, if your original vote turns up after you've been issued a new one, you must use the replacement.
For those who find they cannot go to the polling station in person close to the day, for reasons of medical emergency or work, you may be able to apply for an emergency proxy vote. This must reach the Electoral Registration Officer by 5 pm on polling day.
The Story So Far: A City Divided
This referendum has been one of the most hotly debated topics in Plymouth in recent memory. Plymouth Plus has been at the forefront of the coverage, bringing you the stories that matter. We've highlighted the passionate arguments from both sides of the campaign including the Mayor for Plymouth campaign, who argue a directly elected mayor will bring greater accountability and a stronger voice for the city.
We have also covered the fierce opposition from figures within the current Labour administration, including alleged misuse of the electoral register, misleading claims about existing Mayors and that Labour was behind the anti-Mayor campaign all along. Our letters page has been a platform for all sides, including a candid open letter from Angus Forbes himself on why he believes this change is so vital for Plymouth's future.
Had an emergency and won't be around on polling day?
From now until 5pm on polling day, you can apply for an emergency proxy vote. This means that you nominate someone else to vote on your behalf, such as a friend, neighbour or relative.
You are eligible for an emergency proxy vote if:
- You have a medical emergency
- You are away for employment reasons
- Your photo ID is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed
You can apply for an emergency proxy vote by filling out the form on the Electoral Commission's website and returning it to Plymouth City Council's Electoral Registration Office, Ballard House, West Hoe Road, Plymouth, PL1 3BJ
Voting in Person? Don't Worry About Your Poll Card
For those of you planning to vote in person on the 17th of July, a quick reminder: if you've misplaced your polling card, you do not need it to vote. But you will now need ID to vote.
Simply head to your designated polling station, tell the staff your name and address, and as long as you are registered, you will be able to cast your vote. Polling stations will be open from 7 am to 10 pm.
Not sure where your polling station is? The Electoral Commission has a handy online tool to help you find it. Simply enter your postcode at:https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/your-election-information.
Whatever your view, make sure your voice is heard on July 17th.
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