A COUNCIL is encouraging residents to use postal votes to vote at this year’s elections.

On May 6, Borough residents will go to the polls to have their say on who represents them at the Police & Crime Commissioner, Hampshire County Council, Borough & Parish Council elections.

Plans are said to have already been put in place to help everyone stay safe while they are casting their vote.

Residents can vote in a polling station, by post, or by appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf, which is known as a proxy vote.

The Electoral Registration Officer for Eastleigh Borough Council, Nick Tustian said: “The elections this year are very important.

"They are an opportunity for our residents to have their say on who represents them on issues that directly affect day-to-day life here in Eastleigh Borough.

“We’re planning for these elections now so that, however people choose to cast their vote in May, they can do so safely.

"We’re putting arrangements in place to help everyone stay safe at the polling station; people can expect many of the measures they’ve become used to in shops and banks over recent months, such as hand sanitiser, floor markings and face masks.”