With just one day left until people in Cheltenham go to the polls, Cheltenham Borough Council is urging voters to get ready for the upcoming local elections.

Voters will have been sent a poll card which will tell them where they should go to cast their vote. Voters will be allocated to a polling station based on their home address. 

Information on polling stations is also available on the Electoral Commission's website at www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/your-election-information.

Staff will be on hand at polling stations to assist voters with any questions about filling out their ballot paper. There are also a number of things that will be available to help people cast their vote, including large print sample ballot papers and tactile voting devices to help those with a visual impairment.

Paul Jones, returning officer for Cheltenham Borough Council, said: "Make sure you check the information on your poll card, as your polling station might have changed since the last election. You do not need your poll card to vote, but we encourage you to bring it with you to make the process quicker and more efficient."

Ailsa Irvine, director of Electoral Administration and Guidance at the Electoral Commission, said: "Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 5 May. Voters who have opted to vote by post must return their postal ballot pack by 10pm; they can hand it in at their polling station if they don't have time to return it by post."

Those voting in person on 5 May might see some public health measures in place at polling stations, similar to those in place in other indoor venues. Pencils will be provided and voters can also bring their own. Everyone entering a polling station is asked to consider wearing a face covering and only vote at the polling station if they are feeling well.

Anyone self-isolating or who has become unwell as a result of Covid-19, doesn't need to lose their vote. Voters have up to 5pm on polling day to apply for an emergency proxy vote. This allows them to nominate someone they trust to vote on their behalf.

For additional information on how to apply for an emergency proxy, voters should contact the electoral registration team at elections@cheltenham.gov.uk or call 01242 264132.

Results from the Cheltenham count will be posted here on May 6.