Keep an eye out for your “significant” postal vote

Packs with full instructions are being delivered to people who have already registered to vote by post rather than attend a polling station on May 5.

RMBC chief executive and returning officer, Sharon Kemp urged people to look out for their packs, and ensure they have their say on the day.

She said:  “This is your chance to vote in what is a particularly significant election for Rotherham, as well as the Police and Crime Commissioner election.  

“Full instructions have been sent out and people are reminded that they should complete their ballot papers themselves, and in private.” 

Anyone who has not received their postal vote by Thursday (April 28) should contact the council’s electoral services team on 01709 823590.  

The returning officer must receive postal votes before polls close at 10pm on polling day - and the council has urged people to complete and return theirs as soon as they have received it to make sure it is received in good time.

In total 163 candidates are standing across all 21 wards in the borough – the first time all 63 seats on the council have been up for election at the same time since 2004, having previously been elected by a third at a time.

Ms Kemp added: “Because all seats are up for election this will feel slightly different for voters on May 5 – they will be able to vote for up to three candidates in each ward, rather than one as in previous elections.”

Candidates are broken down by political party as below:

Labour 63 

UKIP 41

Conservative 23

Green 13

Independent 13

Liberal Democrat 5

TUSC 3

Yorkshire First 2

Further information visit www.rotherham.gov.uk/elections