Rotherham goes to the polls

Polling stations are open, as usual, from 7am to 10pm, and all the expected extra precautions are being taken because of the pandemic.

Pencils will be provided — but Rotherham Council says voters are welcome to bring their own pen or pencil if they wish. And there are a couple of other matters to be aware of before making your trip to the polling station.

New RMBC ward boundaries are in place for the first time as the number of councillors reduces from 63 to 59. Check your poll card to make sure you are attending the right polling station.

The changes mean some wards have two seats and others have three. In two-ward seats, you can vote for up to two candidates, and likewise, you have up to three choices in three-seat wards.

For the police and crime commissioner election, you should rank your top two candidates in order of preference. The information will be on the ballot paper — read through before casting your votes.

Emergency proxy votes can apply for people unable to vote in person because of something they were unaware of before the regular deadline by requesting that someone else attends the polling station on the voter’s behalf.

Examples include a medical emergency, working away and self-isolation. Call RMBC on 01709 336 010 or email [email protected] by 5pm today.