There are just a few days left to apply for a postal vote for the Leicestershire County Council elections - here are the details

Tens of thousands of people in Leicestershire are opting to vote from home in next month’s county council elections – and you have just days left to apply for a postal vote.

Polling stations will be Covid-secure and open as usual on Thursday May 6.

You can also post your vote - but applications must be received by the deadline of 5pm on Tuesday April 20.

“All areas of the county have already shown a sharp increase in the number of people applying for a postal vote this year,” said the county council.

“To apply to vote by post, you need to download, print and fill in a postal vote application form and send the completed form to the electoral services team at your local district or borough council.”

If you are not able to cast your vote in person, you can ask someone you trust to cast your vote for you.

“This is called a proxy vote and the proxy (person voting on your behalf) can either go to your polling station to cast your vote or apply to vote for you by post,” said the council.

“To apply for a proxy vote at your polling station you should complete the form to vote by proxy, explaining why you can't get to your polling station in person.

“The deadline for proxy votes is Tuesday April 27.

“However, if you are self-isolating, then you can apply up to 5pm on voting day itself.”

Graeme Wardle, head of member services at Leicestershire County Council, said: “We want to make sure that everyone who is entitled to vote can do so on May 6, regardless of the pandemic.

“Whether you choose to vote at a polling station or by post or proxy, I’d urge everyone to take the time to have their say.

“By using your vote, you can help shape the future of county council services.”

To find out more about registering for a postal or proxy vote, go to www.leicestershire.gov.uk/election2021

There are 55 county councillors in Leicestershire - and all seats are up for election.

Around 550,000 people are eligible to vote.

People in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland can also vote in the Police and Crime Commissioner election on Thursday May 6.