OXFORD City Council has begun preparing in earnest for the European parliamentary elections, despite doubts that the vote will go ahead.
The council has published a Notice of Election for the poll, which is due to take place on Thursday, May 23.
Polling stations are set to be open around the city from 7am to 10pm, with the results due to be announced on Sunday, May 26.
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But there is the potential for the election to not go ahead, if the UK withdraws from the EU before the vote is held.
Brexit was due to take place on March 29 but has since been delayed twice. The UK is now scheduled to leave on Thursday, October 31.
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Oxford is part of the South East region, which elects 10 members under a proportional representation voting system.
The council has published details of the election, which the country is preparing for despite Brexiteer fury and suggestions that the elections may not take place. However, most observers think it highly unlikely that the government will get a deal through parliament before the European elections, which are being held after local elections on Thursday, May 2.
Candidates in Oxfordshire should submit nominations to the Regional Returning Officer, in line with the details on the Notice of Election.
A statement listing the parties and candidates nominated will be published on the council's website on Friday, April 26.
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Registered electors will receive a polling card in the post with details of their polling station.
UK nationals who are already registered do not need to register again. Citizens of European Union countries (other than the UK, Republic of Ireland, Malta and Cyprus) have been sent a form to complete and return by Tuesday, May 7 if they are choosing to vote in the UK rather than their home country, the council said.
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Those unable to vote at a polling station on the day can apply for a postal or proxy vote. The deadline to apply is 5pm on Wednesday, May 8.
A proxy nominates a specific person to vote on an elector’s behalf at their polling station. The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5pm on Wednesday, May 15.
Application forms for postal and proxy votes and registration forms for European Union citizens are available from yourvotematters.co.uk
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For more information, to find out if you are already registered or if you would like an application a paper application form, phone the council's Electoral Registration Office on 01865 249811 or email elections@oxford.gov.uk
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The full Notice is available at oxford.gov.uk/euro2019notice
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