Get ready to vote in biggest poll for years

VOTES which could change the political landscape across local government in the Westcountry will be cast today in the biggest set of local elections for years.

With polls due to take place last year postponed because of the pandemic, electors could have three or more different votes to cast in today’s “Super Thursday” elections.

And across the nations of the UK even more will be at stake, with a parliamentary by-election in the formerly safe Labour seat of Hartlepool, plus elections in Scotland that could determine the fate of the Union, and Labour facing a major test in the devolved government of Wales.

Across Devon and Cornwall, votes for city, county, town, parish and other councils are being cast, along with votes for the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

But the reason for the delay of elections a year ago – the coronavirus pandemic – has not gone away and will still be a factor for anybody voting in person today.

Polling stations have put extra safety measures in place. Voters will be asked to queue and wait to be invited in to cast their ballot. They will have to wear a mask, follow a one-way system – and bring their own pencil to mark the ballot paper.

Anyone who develops what they fear could be Covid symptoms today should not go to vote but can apply for an “emergency” proxy up until 5pm by contacting their local council.

Results for all the various elections won’t be known until next week.