Covid rules mean some new locations for polling stations

A SMALL number of polling stations in Carmarthenshire for the Senedd and local elections will be at new locations to meet Covid-19 safety regulations.

Voters in Llangunnor, Carmarthen, will be casting their ballots at the primary school in Penymorfa Lane, instead of at the usual venue Yr Aelwyd in Tregunnor. This is because the school can offer a one-way in-and-out system for voters tomorrow.

And in the Carmarthen East and Dinefwr constituency, Betws Rugby Club will be used as a new polling station, and so will Pembrey Memorial Hall in Pembrey, Carmarthenshire Council has confirmed.

At the start of April, the council put out an appeal on its website and social media for people to help out at polling stations.

The authority said: “Election attendants will be responsible for supporting people voting in person at polling stations to comply with Covid-19 safety measures, including following directional signage, social distancing, wearing a face covering and sanitising hands.” A joint statement by the Welsh, UK and Scottish governments issued in March outlined the way voting would work during the pandemic.

It stated: “Voters attending polling stations can expect to see many of the protective measures with which they are already now familiar.

“Hand sanitiser will be available, and screens, distance markings and protective barriers will be in use as appropriate.

“Social distancing will be in place both inside and outside polling stations and all voters and staff should wear a face covering.

“Anyone who feels comfortable going to a supermarket or a post office now (March) can therefore feel confident attending a polling station in May.

In Carmarthenshire, votes will be counted on Friday, May 7, and Sunday, May 9. Polling stations on May 6 will be open between 7am and 10pm.