Ballot papers have been sent out to postal voters for this month’s elections to the European Parliament.

St Albans District Council has issued around 17,500 for the election on Thursday, May 23.

Completed ballot papers and postal vote statements should be placed in the pre-paid addressed envelope and returned to the district council by 10pm on election day.

Residents unable to get to a polling station can also apply for a proxy vote by 5pm on Wednesday, May 15 or an emergency proxy vote up until 5pm on election day.

A proxy vote allows someone you trust to vote on your behalf. You must give a reason why you are unable to attend the polling station such as illness or a work commitment.

Electoral registration officer Mike Lovelady said: “Postal voters should follow the instructions about how to vote, including putting their date of birth and signature on the postal voting statement. This statement is kept separately from the ballot paper, so their vote is always kept secret.”

Forms to apply for a proxy vote are available from the council’s elections office or at the Electoral Commission’s website

www.yourvotematters.co.uk

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The council’s elections team can be contacted on 01727 819294 or elections@stalbans.gov.uk.

For more information including the candidate list, visit

www.stalbans.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/elections/EU2019/default.aspx

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The address for postal votes is Electoral Registration Officer, St Albans City and District Council, Civic Centre, St Peter’s Street, St Albans, Herts, AL1 3JE.