People who will not be able to visit their designated polling place on polling day are being advised to make arrangements in advance and submit an application for either a postal or proxy ballot.

Oxford City Council is raising awareness among local residents about the available options for casting their vote remotely ahead of the scheduled elections on May 7.

The cut-off point for submitting a postal vote application is 5pm on April 21, and electors have the choice to have their ballot paper delivered by post either for one particular election, for a set timeframe, or on an ongoing basis.

Caroline Green, the returning officer for Oxford City Council, stated that nobody should lose the chance to participate in the election merely because they are incapable of physically attending their polling station. She explained that voting by post or appointing a representative provides practical solutions for individuals who are unable or unwilling to vote at their designated location in person. She noted that the procedure for applying is uncomplicated and can be handled digitally. She urged people to submit their requests with sufficient notice rather than waiting until the final moment, especially given that the Easter period may result in slower postal deliveries.

Residents wishing to obtain a postal ballot can submit their application through the internet or download the relevant documentation from the Electoral Commission website.

Applications that have been completed should be delivered to Oxford City Council’s Elections Office at Town Hall, St Aldate’s, Oxford, OX1 1BX or transmitted electronically to postalvote@oxford.gov.uk.

Those who would rather designate another individual to cast their vote on their behalf may submit a request for a proxy vote, with the submission deadline set at 5pm on April 28.

Individuals using the proxy voting system must demonstrate a legitimate justification for being unable to vote in person.