PREPARATION is under way as residents will head to the polls next month.

On May 6 residents will be asked to elect city councillors in Southampton, county councillors in Hampshire, councillors in a number of districts across the county as well as the new Police and Crime Commissioner.

But a number of changes will be in place due to the pandemic.

Southampton City Council has confirmed that there will be no overnight count on the Thursday.

The verification of both elections will take place at Southampton 02 Guildhall on Friday 7 May, from 9am-5pm.

The count for the local elections will then commence on May 8, from 9.30am. The count for the Police and Crime Commissioner will take place on May 10 starting at 9.30am and it might be extended to May 11.

A third of the 48 seats at the city council are up for grab.

The authority said there will be no access to the viewing gallery or count for members of the public. A limited amount of approved count officials, candidates, agents and media will instead receive an access pass.

Meanwhile, a total of 78 seats at Hampshire County Council are up for grab. It comes as a county-wide election takes place every four years and voters in all 76 electoral divisions are asked to elect councillors.

Two county council divisions- Leesland & Town (Gosport) and Fareham Town, will be asked elect two councillors due to the size of the electorate.

Counting in the Hampshire County Council elections will be undertaken by district and borough councils, at locations across Hampshire’s 11 districts. Counting of votes for the county council election will take place on May 7.

Residents will be able to vote by post, in a polling station or by appointing someone they trust to vote on their behalf - which is known as a proxy vote.

To vote residents must be on the electoral register. The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Monday 19 April.

The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on 20 April while for a proxy vote, the deadline is 5pm on 27 April.

John Coughlan, the county returning officer, said: "COVID-safe measures will be in place at polling stations. Voters can also keep themselves and others safe by wearing a face covering and bringing their own pen or pencil. Do remember to double check your polling card as there have been a small number of changes to usual polling stations for Covid reasons. If you are self-isolating or become unwell as a result of COVID-19 shortly before polling day, or on the day of polling itself, you can also obtain an emergency proxy vote – but please do not go out to vote if there is a risk you may be carrying the virus."

To register people can visit gov.uk/register-to-vote.