Senedd Cymru and Police and Crime Commissioner elections -May 6, 2021

Residents across Carmarthenshire go to the polls on Thursday May 6 to cast their votes in the Senedd Cymru and Police and Crime Commissioner elections.

In some areas of the county, voters will also cast a vote for their preferred candidates in a small number of town and community council elections taking place on the same day.

This is an historic election, as for the first time ever 16 and 17-year-olds have the right to vote in the Senedd Cymru elections, however they will not be able to vote in the Police and Crime Commissioner elections or any local by-elections.

Almost 1,500 16 and 17-year-olds in Carmarthenshire have registered to vote taking the total electorate for Carmarthenshire to just over 122,000.

Of course this year elections will feel a little different because of Covid-19, however a range of measures are in place to ensure that everyone can cast their vote easily and safely whether doing so by post or in person at a polling station.

Who to vote for

In the Carmarthenshire area, voting will take place for the following:

• Senedd Cymru – Llanelli constituency
• Senedd Cymru – Carmarthen East and Dinefwr constituency
• Senedd Cymru – The Mid and West Wales Region
• Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner

Find information about the candidates or parties standing for election in your area

There are also by-elections for six seats on the following town and community councils:

• Llanedi Community Council (Hendy Ward)
• Llanedi Community Council (Tycroes Ward)
• Llanelli Town Council (Elli Ward)
• Llanelli Rural Council (Pemberton Ward)
• Llannon Community Council (Tumble Ward)
• Cwmamman Town Council (Tircoed Ward)

Find information about candidates standing for ward seats in local area by-elections

Keep up to date with the news and look at social media to find out about the policies and pledges being made by candidates standing for election so you can make an informed choice.

Who you vote for is your decision, and every vote you make counts.

Voting in person at a polling station

Polling stations across Carmarthenshire will be open from 7am until 10pm – polling station information is printed on your polling card. Find your nearest polling station.

If you are voting in person, you will find that there will be enhanced safety measures in place including social distancing, regular cleaning and facilities for you to sanitise your hands on entry and exit. We’re also asking people to bring their own pen or pencil.

To help keep yourself and others safe, if you are unwell please do not enter the polling station. See below advice about voting by proxy if you are unwell on the day.

Staff will be available to help you.

Voting by post

Lots of people have chosen to vote by post. It is now too late to apply for a postal vote for the May 6 elections. If you wish to change your preferences to vote by post in future elections, apply for a postal vote.

If you have requested a postal vote you will not be able to vote in person at the polling station at this election.

Completing your postal vote should take just a few minutes. In your pack you’ll find instructions, a postal vote statement and ballot papers listing the candidates or parties standing for election in your area.

Once you have cast your vote, return your envelope as soon as possible following the instructions carefully – your postal vote must be returned before close of polls at 10pm on Thursday May 6. Royal Mail has a number of priority post boxes which have a collection time of after 4pm.

If you miss the post, you can also hand your postal vote in at a polling station between 7am and 10pm. If you make a mistake or lose your postal vote, you can get a replacement before 5pm on the day of the election – call 01267 234567 if you need assistance.

Can’t make it on the day?

If you find you are unable to go to a polling station on May 6, for example because you are unwell, self-isolating or working, you can appoint somebody to cast your vote on your behalf – this is known as proxy voting.

If you need to apply for a proxy vote, do so before 5pm on Tuesday, April 27. However emergency applications will be considered on May 6 up until 5pm.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ELECTIONS AND VOTING

📞 For further support, call us on 01267 234567.