Holding elections during a pandemic

Sir, – Steve Robertson asks why the Scottish Parliament election is going ahead (Letters, February 25).

While this is ultimately a decision for the Scottish Parliament, it is an important democratic principle that elections should proceed where possible.

The Electoral Commission, along with the wider electoral community, has been preparing for Covid-safe elections for some time, in consultation with public health authorities.

Together, we have taken steps to help everyone involved take part safely and confidently.

Our research with voters

indicates that most would feel confident voting in person at a polling place, where voters can expect to see many of the measures already in place in other public places such as physical distancing, face masks and hand sanitising.

However, voters may choose to cast their vote by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote.

The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on April 6, and for a proxy vote the deadline is 5pm on April 27.

More information on all your voting options is available from our website electoralcommission.org. uk/voter

Andy O’Neill, head of the Electoral Commission, Scotland, City Chambers, High Street, Edinburgh.