IT HAS infuriated incumbent president Donald Trump and contributed to make this year’s American election one of the most talked about ever.

But in a few months Sotonians might put themselves in the shoes of many Americans and cast their votes by post.

Residents are indeed expected to head to the polls on May 6, 2021.

But as the world continues its fight against Coronavirus, civic chiefs in Southampton are calling for an opt-out system of postal voting.

This would mean that by default residents would be able to cast their votes by post.

But those who wish to vote at a polling station would still be able to do so.

The dispute over the expansion of the postal voting system and Mr Trump’s claims that it leads to widespread fraud have dominated headlines in America for months - despite absolutely no evidence to back up this claim whatsoever.

But while the row in the United States continues, in Southampton city leaders have spoken in favour of postal voting saying it would allow people to vote safely.

Council leader Christopher Hammond said the city council recognises that the democratic process is “sacrosanct” and  elections held in Southampton “must be free, fair and easy to participate in”.

He added: “The upcoming local election  will be like no other. Set during the worst global pandemic in nearly 100 years, it will require changes to proceed safely. Although we recognise that there are different ways to vote, the most  convenient way is to register for a postal vote and vote at home. Whilst  we do publicise this option, it is not widely known that postal voting is  available to anyone who requests it.”

He called on the government and the Electoral Commission to consider the option of an opt-out system.

But Chloe Smith, minister of state for the constitution and devolution, said that following analysis work it is her view that polls can be delivered safely.

She added: “I believe there is no necessity for significant changes such as imposing an all-postal vote or changing polling days or times. The UK Government remains of the view that all-postal voting increases fraud risks, and removes choice from voters who wish to cast their vote in person. I am considering a potential smaller change to legislation to support electors with absent voting. An update on this will be provided in due course.”

The Tories in the city said they will await for further government guidance.

The Electoral Commission said research shows that most voters are likely to want to continue voting in-person despite the pandemic.

But in a statement it added: “But absent voting gives voters choice, so is likely to play an important role in delivering elections during the pandemic. We encourage those voters that are thinking about voting by post, to apply now. This will make sure the application is processed early, and the postal vote can be sent to them more quickly once the candidates for the elections are confirmed.”

The news comes as this year’s elections were cancelled due to the pandemic.

The city council has confirmed it has started preparations to ensure residents can cast their votes safely.