Safety preparations in hand as we count down to elections

POLLING STATIONS in Calderdale will be as safe as possible for those choosing to use them to vote in the May elections.

Calderdale Council is encouraging people to apply for a postal vote, but those who choose to attend their polling station on the day will find some familiar important COVID-19 safety routines in place.

This year people will be voting in the borough elections, for the first ever West Yorkshire metro Mayor, and some will have a vote in town or parish council elections.

The council’s Chief Executive, Electoral Registration Officer and Returning Officer at

Expect measures like staff behind screens, using hand sanitiser and socially distanced queues

Calderdale Council, Robin Tuddenham, said the authority is working hard to make sure that polling stations are safe places to work and vote.

“You can expect many of the measures you’ve become used to in shops over recent months, such as using hand sanitiser, socially distanced queues and the wearing of face coverings.

“Polling stations may be set out differently, with oneway routes and limits on the number of people inside at any one time.

“Polling staff will be sat behind screens and hand sanitiser will be available on entrance and exit. Voters are encouraged

FLASHBACK: The counting of votes from a previous election at North Bridge Leisure Centre, Halifax, before the Covid pandemic swept Calderdale

to bring their own pen or pencil, but pencils will be available if needed.

“Regular cleaning will also take place, including touch points and polling booths,” he said.

Mr Tuddenham said the council appreciated people might feel apprehensive and outlined different ways in

which people could vote: “We know that the voting process will feel different this year and some may be concerned about visiting or working at a polling station. We’re doing everything we can to make sure that the process is as safe as possible, but you also have options to apply to vote by post or by proxy instead if you prefer,”

Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance at the Electoral Commission said: “The choice on how to vote at the elections is yours – you can have your say in person, by post or by proxy.

“However you cast your vote in May, you will be able to do so safely.”

For details on postal or proxy

voting see: www.calderdale.gov. uk/v2/council/elections-andvoting/how-vote – at the council’s website.

WHAT DO YOU THINK

What more can be done to ensure a safe election day?

Contact us via EMAIL/ONLINE/TWITTER