‘Bring your own pencil’ to vote

PEOPLE are being asked to bring their own pen or pencil when they vote in this year’s Senedd election.

The Welsh election is scheduled for Thursday, May 6, although it could be delayed by up to six months if the Welsh Government decides it is not safe to go ahead in May.

Local authorities are already putting in place plans to ensure voting stations are safe when people go to the polls and councils will be asking people to bring their own pen or pencil.

The Electoral Commission has put out advice telling people to bring their own pen or pencil to ensure there is no contamination with the virus.

A spokesperson for Neath Port Talbot Council said it would be advising people to bring their own pen or pencil but it would not be mandatory.

“Ballot pencils will still be provided as usual at the polling station and cleaned regularly by polling station staff for the use of electors who wish to use them,” a spokesperson said.

They added: “A number of measures will be put in place that will make these forthcoming elections look and feel different to electors.

“Voters attending their local polling station can expect to see many of the measures they have become used to over recent months in banks, shops and other indoor spaces.

“For example, they will be asked to use hand sanitiser provided when they enter and exit the polling station and must wear a face covering at all times (unless subject to an exemption) and encouraged to bring their own pen or pencil to mark the ballot papers.

“Social distancing measures and protective screens will also be in place and, depending on the polling station venue, there may be a one-way system in operation which will mean that voters may have to queue to enter the polling station as there will be a limit to the number of voters allowed in the building at any one time.”