Polling stations open but postal vote is urged
CALDERDALE COUNCIL is encouraging voters to apply for postal votes to take part in the local elections this year.
The council’s Head of Legal Ian Hughes, said these would be for Calderdale Council, some parish council, and the first West Yorkshire Mayoral elections with polling on May 6.
Calderdale was publicising postal voting but polling stations on the day would also be ready, with the COVID-19 pandemic still ongoing, said Mr Hughes.
“We are encouraging as many voters as possible to register for a postal vote,” he told a meeting of councillors.
This would minimise contact people would have through the traditional methods at a polling station – as well as being promoted online residents have been sent letters explaining how they can register for a postal vote.
“We still have to have the polling stations which we have ensured are booked well in advance.
“All venues have been fully assessed, taking into account access, egress and movements through the polling station, and we will make them as safe as possible,” said Mr Hughes.
“Measures are being continually reassessed to make sure we can put in the requisite preventative steps, and we are ready to react to issues,”
Coun Susan Press (Lab, Todmorden) asked if counting staff would have full PPE as they would be handling 1,000s of voting papers, and Mr Hughes said the electoral team was consulting with public health colleagues about the issue.