Polling changes afoot ... but fears are raised about safety of voting
A shakeup of polling stations and the count for the Scottish Parliament election has been announced – amid concerns over whether the vote should be taking place at all.
Votes will be totted up as usual at Braehead Arena for the area’s three constituencies and the West of Scotland region after the electorate casts their ballots on Thursday, May 6.
But this year the results will not be revealed overnight and people will have to sit tight for longer before new MSPs are confirmed.
The count will, instead, take place over the following two days, with a final tally expected to emerge on Saturday, May 8.
Elsewhere, the council has had to change nine polling stations across Renfrewshire due to either availability or the venue not being able to meet Covid-19 guidelines.
Additional staff will also be brought in to assist with the running of the event, although it has not yet been confirmed how many extra bodies will be required.
However, even with alterations being made, councillors have expressed fears over whether the election can be held safely on its original scheduled date, with restrictions on the economy set to lift less than two weeks before.
Eddie Devine, who heads up the council’s Labour group, said: “I think the election should be postponed by a couple of months until we have seen more about how the virus is being controlled.
“I have heard that quite a few staff who would normally man the polling stations have declined this time because they have fears about catching Covid.
“At the moment, it feels like we are going into something we do not know about.
“They need to err on the side of caution and I don’t think anyone would complain about that.
“I’m not trying to delay it. I want the election to happen, but I think delaying it by a couple of months should be considered.”
Liberal Democrat councillor Eileen McCartin added: “My biggest concern is for the staff who will be asked to manage the election, from those sitting for 12 hours in the close confines of a voting centre to those who are required to count the votes.
“I am really uncertain that it will physically be able to go ahead.”
In Paisley, people who usually vote at the Southend Action Centre will now be asked to go to St Charles’ Primary, while the polling station at St Ninian’s Church Hall will be changed to the Tannahill Centre.
Inchinnan Primary will be replaced with Inchinnan Parish Church, Linwood Parish Church Hall will be changed to Linwood High, Renfrew High will be used instead of the King George V Pavilion, and Elderslie voters will visit Wallace Primary rather than the village hall.
Two Johnstone venues are also set to change, with Auchenlodment Primary to be used instead of the town’s community and learning centre, and Johnstone High Parish Church will replace the town hall.
Dargavel Village residents will be asked to visit Bishopton Scout Hut to cast their vote rather than Bishopton Community Centre.
There has been a change to the school in-service day to ensure the election does not impact pupils of schools used as polling places.
A Renfrewshire Council spokesman said: “Our election team are currently finalising plans for the Scottish Parliamentary election in May and we will ensure that voters and staff members are fully informed of the process in advance.
“The safety of our staff and the public is paramount and all appropriate health and safety measures will be in place to ensure that the election can be delivered safely.”
I want the election to happen, but I think delaying it by a couple of months should be considered