Leeds elections: Deadline for registering to vote approaches - here is what you need to know

Leeds residents have until Monday to register to vote, while the deadline for postal voting is 5pm the next day on Tuesday April 20.

If you haven’t registered yet, you can do so on the government website.

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Over 200,000 residents have chosen to vote by post so far, Leeds Council revealed.

Those using polling stations are being asked to wear a mask and comply with other safety and social distancing measures.

It is anticipated that only limited numbers will be permitted inside polling stations at any one time, which may mean queues are likely, the council added.

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The council said: "On Thursday, 6 May 2021 residents across the Leeds City Council area will go to the polls to have their say on who represents them at Local Council elections and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Mayoral Election.

"The elections will take place at a time when COVID-19 continues to present risks to public health.

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"Depending on the infection rate, measures taken to control the spread of the virus may change as we approach May. This means we cannot currently answer all the questions you may have about how the election will be run.

"However, we are working hard with the Government, the Electoral Commission, the wider electoral community and public health authorities to help ensure you can stay safe when casting your vote in May.

"You vote matters. Don’t lose it."

How can I vote?

in person at your polling station

by post

by proxy - which means getting someone you trust to cast your vote

You can find the address and directions to your polling station by visiting the Where Do I Vote website.

Will voting in polling stations be different than before the pandemic?

your polling station location may change, and be further away from where you live

some locations not being suitable for social distancing

distancing measures are likely to be in place, meaning there could be queues outside

you will be asked to wear a mask or face-covering if able to do so, and to use hand sanitiser

Due to this you may wish to consider voting by post.

Will the polling stations be safe?

The council is putting arrangements in place to help ensure polling stations are safe places to vote such as:

asking you to wear a face covering

providing hand sanitiser

maintaining social distancing

We will continue to update this page as more information and guidance becomes available.

Can I bring my own pen?

You are always welcome to bring your own pen or pencil at any election. Government may request that everyone does bring their own pen or pencil for this election and the council will update Leeds residents if this changes.

What if I need to self isolate?

The council will be providing more information nearer the time on how you can vote if you need to self-isolate, or live in an area under local lockdown.