WITH this year's elections looming here's some of the Covid safety measures Wiltshire residents can expect when they go to cast their vote.

On Thursday (May 6) the Wiltshire Council unitary, town and parish, and Police and Crime Commissioner elections take place – there are also a number of neighbourhood plan referendums on the same day.

Each of the county’s 348 polling stations will have measures in place to ensure they are as Covid-secure as possible.

What safety measures will be in place

• Staff at the polling stations to help support people to adhere to the measures

• People are being urged to bring their own pen or pencil to vote (a small supply will be available at each polling station should they forget)

• Unless exempt, people need to wear a mask inside the polling station

• A one-way system will be in place

• Hand sanitiser available on site

• Screens at the check-in desk

• Social distancing will be required

• Regular cleaning by staff of surfaces and touch points

'Please don’t forget your mask and pen or pencil'

Terence Herbert, Wiltshire Council Chief Executive, and Returning Officer for Wiltshire, said: “The safety of the public and everyone involved in these elections has been right at the heart of all our planning.

"The elections will feel a little different this time, understandably, but the measures we have in place should be fairly familiar to those who have visited shops and other venues during the pandemic.

“We’ll have staff at each centre to support people as much as possible.

"My main advice is to please don’t forget your mask and pen or pencil before you head out.

“People might be feeling a little anxious about visiting a polling station, particularly if they haven’t been out a lot in recent months, but we’ve done everything we can to keep the venues as safe and as comfortable as possible for everyone.”

Queuing

Due to social distancing, people may have to queue outside the polling station depending on how busy it is.

People should also ensure they are prepared for whatever weather there may be on election day.

Postal votes

Those who have applied to vote by post are asked to post the postal packs back as soon as possible after they have received them.

They need to arrive by 10pm on May 6, so if anyone feels they might not make it by that date via the post, then they are able to hand deliver them to their local polling station (which is stated on their poll card) or County Hall in Trowbridge.

More information about the elections is available on the Wiltshire Council website

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