Local elections to go ahead in Shropshire
Preparations for full elections in May have been underway for “some time”, Shropshire Council says.
The government has confirmed local elections will go ahead in England this spring but voters will have to bring their own pencil to mark their ballot paper under new coronavirus safety rules.
The Cabinet Office confirmed “Covid-secure” polls would be held as planned, despite fears that the pandemic would lead to them being postponed again.
Under new rules, voters will have to wear face coverings inside polling stations and will be asked to bring their own pen or pencil to mark their ballot.
And rules will be changed so people who have to self-isolate can request an emergency proxy vote up to 5pm on polling day.
Elections will take place for the entire of Shropshire Council, the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner’s post, and a number of by-elections in Telford & Wrekin. Shropshire’s town and parish council’s will also have elections.
Claire Porter, director of legal and democratic services at Shropshire Council, said preparations were well in hand for the polls.
She said: “This year elections are to be held not just for Shropshire Council, but also for town and parish councils, and the Police and Crime Commissioner.
"We have been planning for these elections to be held on May 6 for some time, and our preparations are well underway.
"Covid is clearly a key consideration and we will be putting in place all relevant safety measures, in compliance with national guidance, to ensure that the casting and counting of votes can take place safely.”
Telford & Wrekin Council leader Shaun Davies also backed the move to hold the elections, saying: “I think elections could go ahead in May as planned, but one size does not fit all.
Secure
"We need the government to trust local councils and returning officers to put in measures that work for local areas. Political parties locally should be brought together to work through the options.”
The Cabinet Office said all nine priority cohorts – covering those aged 50 and over – are expected to have received coronavirus vaccines by May, meaning the Government can commit “with confidence” to the polls going ahead. In London, there will be elections for the mayor and assembly, which were originally due to take place last year.
Voters in Scotland and Wales could be choosing new parliaments – though a decision on whether these will go ahead will be made by their respective governments.
Cabinet Office minister Chloe Smith said: “We are publishing a detailed plan to deliver May’s elections in a safe and secure way.
"This is backed up by additional funding for councils, and practical changes to electoral laws to help both voters and candidates. Democracy should not be cancelled because of Covid.”
An Electoral Commission spokesman said: “It is an important democratic principle elections should proceed as scheduled whenever possible. The electoral community has been preparing for Covid-safe elections since last March.”
