Despite record number of sign-ups in Wirral, postal voting turnout seems to be 'way down'

Far fewer people in Wirral have voted by post this year compared to previous years, it is understood.

Normally well over half of all postal votes sent out have been returned by this point, just a day before Wirral Council's elections take place.

But this year it is understood that around 49% of postal ballots have been returned, a figure described as "way down" on what we should expect by a source who spoke to the Local Democracy Reporting Service today.

This news comes after it was revealed that a record number of people had signed up to vote by post in the borough.

If you have not returned your postal vote yet, you can take it to a polling station tomorrow and it will be counted.

Polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm tomorrow.

If you are voting in person it is also important to know that you do not need your polling card or ID to vote.

Emergency proxy votes, where someone attends a polling station to vote on someone else's behalf, can be arranged until 5pm on Election Day.

You can apply for an emergency proxy if:

- You have a medical emergency after the deadline that means you cannot go to the polling station in person

- Your occupation, service or employment means that you cannot go to the polling station in person, and you only become aware of that fact after the deadline

To apply for an emergency proxy vote call Wirral Council on 0151 691 8046.

This year every vote in Wirral Council's elections will be incredibly important.

In 2019, Labour lost its majority on the council due to Green Party and Conservative gains, making the politics of the authority far more uncertain.

But Labour has 32 of Wirral's 66 councillors, meaning just two gains would see the party retake its majority.

On the other hand, a bad night for Labour could see it lose more seats and the days of council leader Janette Williamson may be numbered.

In several seats just a small number of votes could turn the tide and the pandemic, and peculiar postal voting numbers mean nothing can be taken for granted.

For the full list of candidates at Wirral Council's elections please click or tap here.