In response to the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, Wokingham Borough Council has agreed several alternative polling stations ahead of this year’s local and Police and Crime Commissioner for the Thames Valley Police Force area elections on Thursday 6 May 2021. Alternative venues have been sourced to ensure residents can safely and securely cast their votes.
The following venue changes are confirmed:
| Polling district | Original polling venue | New polling location |
| SCW in Shinfield South Ward | Shinfield Parish Hall | The Baptist Church Hall, Fairmead Road, Shinfield |
| RBM in Remenham, Wargrave and Ruscombe Ward | Hare Hatch Village Hall | Wargrave Pavilion |
| KCM in Coronation Ward | St John’s Ambulance, HQ, Woodley | St John’s Church, Woodley |
| HAM in Hurst Ward | Mobile Unit at Warren Public House, Hurst | Hurst Village Hall |
| WFW and WGW1 in Norreys Ward | Norreys Evangelical Church | The Cornerstone, Norreys Avenue Wokingham |
In the event that further polling stations need to be re-designated it is agreed that the assistant director governance, Andrew Moulton, will decide on a new location in consultation with relevant ward members. This will enable the elections team to notify affected residents about the change of polling place as quickly as possible and would also replace the need for either a Council or Special Council Executive Committee meeting to make the decision.
Andrew Moulton, assistant director governance, said: “As the Covid-19 pandemic continues, we want to make people aware that there may be a polling station change in their area. Our top priority in planning for these elections is to ensure that all polling stations are safe. There is also still time to apply for a postal vote, and I would encourage residents to do so in good time before the deadline of 5pm on Tuesday 20 April, especially for residents who are shielding.”
The council will implement a number of Covid-19 safety measures across its designated polling stations, including plastic screens and hand sanitiser. Voters are asked to wear a face covering at all times and are also encouraged to bring their own pens to combat the coronavirus. It is also requested that people adhere to social distancing instructions.
Residents who are shielding or clinically vulnerable are encouraged to vote 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. It’s easy to apply and you can find out how by visiting the council’s election webpages.
You need to be registered to vote in order to have a say at the elections – the easiest way to register is online by visiting gov.uk/registertovote
Residents will receive a polling card informing them of the elections taking place in their area and will provide details of when and where to vote. Individuals do not need their polling card with them to vote but will be asked to provide their name and address to a member of staff on duty.
Residents can find out more information, including their ward and where to vote on our website: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for “elections 2021”).
