A printed booklet packed with information about next month’s Mayoral election for the West of England Mayor will start to be delivered to households in Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire this week.

The booklet contains information about the candidates, the Mayor’s role, the election, and how to vote and will land on doormats from 14th April onwards.

To vote in the election on Thursday, 6th May residents are also being reminded that they must be on the electoral register. The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Monday, 19th April. It takes just five minutes to apply online at: gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Voters have a range of options for casting their ballot – in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote. If voters are registered, the deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5 pm on 20th April, and for a proxy vote the deadline is 5 pm on 27th April. Residents that have requested a postal vote will start to receive their postal votes from this week onwards.

Combined Authority Returning Officer, Shahzia Daya said: “Time is running out to make sure your voice is heard at the elections in May. You can vote either at a polling station, by post or by proxy.

“However you choose to vote, you must be registered in order to have your say at the elections – the easiest way to register is online at: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

“If you decide to vote by post, don’t wait until the deadline to apply. Sending your application now will make sure it is processed early, and your postal vote can be sent to you more quickly. It’s easy to apply and you can find out how by visiting the Electoral Commission website.”

The Regional Mayor leads the West of England Combined Authority and its work on the development of business, skills, housing and transport across the region. The Combined Authority also?leads on the?region’s recovery plan?to make?sure?that?the?right?support and infrastructure is in place?for residents and businesses?to drive the?region’s?recovery.

The four candidates standing in the West of England Mayoral election are:

· Dan Norris (Labour Party)

· Jerome Thomas (Green Party)

· Samuel Williams (Conservative Party)

· Stephen Williams (Liberal Democrat Party)

Across the region there are also?Police & Crime Commissioner elections?taking place. In Bristol there will also be?local elections and an election for a Bristol Mayor.

For further information on the West of England Mayoral election visit: westofengland-ca.gov.uk/election2021. This page will continue to be updated ahead of the polls.

The law states that every registered voter must be sent their own copy of the Regional Mayor booklet – not just one per household – so that they have an opportunity to see who the candidates are. The booklet is also available online at: westofengland-ca.gov.uk/election2021