Residents across Bath and North East Somerset are being encouraged to go out and vote for the next West of England Mayor today, Thursday 6th May.
Polls are open until 10pm, and registered voters can find their polling station via the online tool created by the Democracy Club at: www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk/find-a-polling-station/.
The Regional Mayor leads the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), which oversees the development of regional business, skills, housing and transport – issues that impact people living and working across the region.
WECA also leads on the recovery plan for the region, to make sure that the right support and infrastructure is in place for residents and businesses to drive the region’s recovery.
The four people standing in the West of England Mayoral election are:
- NORRIS, Dan (Labour Party)
- THOMAS, Jerome (Green Party)
- WILLIAMS, Samuel Patrick Sutherland (The Conservative Party Candidate)
- WILLIAMS, Stephen Roy (Liberal Democrat)
A booklet with details of the candidates was posted to all electors and is also available online at westofengland-ca.gov.uk/election2021.
Combined Authority Returning Officer, Shahzia Daya said: “It’s important to make sure your voice is heard at the elections on Thursday 6th May.
“You can vote either at a polling station, by post or by proxy. If you are on the electoral register, you do not need your poll card to vote.
“The West of England Mayoral election uses the supplementary voting system. You will have two votes – one for your first choice candidate and one for your second choice candidate.”
The election count will take place on Saturday 8th May.
All the first-choice votes will be counted, and if one candidate has received more than 50% of the votes they will be elected West of England Mayor.
If no candidate has more than 50% of the votes, then the two candidates with the most first-choice votes will remain in the election and all other candidates are eliminated from the process.
The ballot papers for the eliminated candidates are then checked. Any second choice votes for the two remaining candidates are added to their first-round totals, and the candidate with the most votes wins.
The declaration will be live-streamed via the West of England Combined authority’s YouTube channel.
If a candidate has more than 50% of the votes, then the declaration is expected around lunchtime on Saturday 8th May. If it goes to a second round, then is expected around mid-afternoon.
Polling stations have safety precautions in place in line with the latest Covid-19 guidance.
Voters can keep themselves and others safe by:
- Wearing a face covering
- Bringing their own pen or pencil
- Cleaning their hands when entering and leaving the polling station
- Keeping a safe distance
People should not attend the polling station if they have symptoms of Covid-19, or if they have been asked to self-isolate.
Across the region, there are also Police & Crime Commissioner elections taking place.
