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Covid-safe polling stations

Published: 22/04/2021

On Thursday 6 May 2021 residents in Wales will go to the polls to have their say on who represents them in the Senedd and on who will be the Police and Crime Commissioner for their local police force area.  Preparations are well in-hand to ensure people stay safe while casting their votes.  

Colin Everett, Regional Returning Officer for North Wales said:

“There are a number of ways people can have their say in the elections in May – by casting a vote in a polling station, by post, or by appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf, which is known as a proxy vote.

“The elections in May are very important – they’re an opportunity for people to make their voice heard and have a say on who represents them on issues that directly affect day-to-day life here in North Wales.

“We have been thinking about and planning for these elections for some time so that, however people choose to cast their vote in May, they can do so safely. We’re putting arrangements in place to help voters and staff stay safe at the polling station. Many of the measures people now expect to see in shops and banks such as hand sanitiser, floor markings and face masks will be on place  But you also have the option to apply to vote by post or by proxy.”

“Other COVID-19 measures at polling stations include:

• Separate entrances and exits where possible
• At some polling stations, a door manager will be in attendance to ensure that social distancing can be maintained at all times
• Altered layouts to allow for social distancing when waiting to vote and when completing a ballot paper, but still ensuring electors can cast their vote in secret
• Polling station staff wearing PPE
• Voters encouraged to bring their own pen or pencil
• Polling booths regularly sanitised.

“These measures may mean electors have to wait for longer than usual to be able to cast their vote but they will be able to do so with confidence in a safe and clean environment.”