Going to the polls

Anyone who has not yet registered to vote for the elections on Thursday 6 May is urged to do so immediately.

The easiest way to register is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

Covid safety measures such as hand sanitiser and social distancing will be in place helping to make polling stations safe places to vote.

Registered electors are reminded that they can apply for a postal vote and should do so by no later than 5pm on Tuesday 20 April.

There are currently 208,483 people on the Sunderland Electoral Register and 90,464 electors (43 per cent) are registered for a postal vote.

Sunderland and Northumbria Police Area Returning Officer Patrick Melia said: "These elections are very important - they're an opportunity to make your voice heard and have a say on who represents you on issues that directly affect day-to-day life here in Sunderland.

"We will have arrangements in place to help you stay safe at the polling station. Electors can expect to see similar measures to the ones that we've become used to seeing in shops and banks over recent months, such as hand sanitiser, floor markings and face masks. But you also have the option to apply to vote by post or by proxy.

"If you're thinking about voting by post, you can apply now. This will make sure your application is processed early, and your postal vote can be sent to you more quickly."

Sunderland holds election by 'thirds' for its 75 councillors. Therefore one seat of the three in each of the city's 25 wards is up for election. There are also by-election vacancies in the Copt Hill, Shiney Row and Washington South wards and 28 councillors are due to be elected.

In addition to registering online at: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote, please call Sunderland Electoral Services on 0191 520 5550 or email elections@sunderland.gov.uk