On Thursday, 6 May, elections for the Mayor of London and Greater London Assembly will take place. Originally due to take place in 2020, the elections were postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. With many people worried about going out while coronavirus is still a risk, Ealing Council is offering postal votes to anyone who would rather vote from the comfort of their own homes.

With the coronavirus pandemic continuing to impact daily life, the council is already making plans to ensure that Ealing polling stations will be safe places to be while you vote. You can expect to see many of the measures we’ve all become used to over recent months in shops and other indoor spaces, such as social distancing, well ventilated spaces, hand sanitising, floor markings and face coverings.

This may mean that voting takes a little longer than usual, especially at peak voting times like early morning, late afternoon and early evening. However, if you would prefer to vote from your own home, you can apply for a postal vote.

Secure and convenient

Voting by post is a secure and convenient way to vote. You do not need to give a reason for applying for a postal vote – anyone can register for one.

Applying is simple:

• Select for how long you would like to vote by post
• Select the address you want your postal vote to be sent to. This is usually your home address. You will receive your ballot papers approximately 14 days before polling day
• Provide your date of birth and signature. These will be used to make sure nobody else can use your vote.

Over the next few days, every registered polling station voter in the borough will receive a letter containing a form to apply for a postal vote, together with a freepost envelope for return.  You can also download a form and instructions.

Application deadline

The deadline to apply for a postal vote for the elections in May is 5pm on Tuesday, 20 April. If you do consider applying, please do so as early as possible to allow us plenty of time to process your application.

If you would still prefer to vote at your polling station as normal, then you are very welcome to do so. Details of where to go to vote will be sent to you on your polling card nearer the time.

If you are not currently registered to vote, there is still time to do so if you wish, with registration set to close for voting in these elections on Monday 19 April. An easy to use online registration system is available here.