Bring your own pens for Covid-safe Nuneaton and Bedworth elections

[dutchman]

It is one measure being put in place to keep voters safe



Extra precautions are being put in place to keep voters safe at polling stations in the forthcoming Nuneaton and Bedworth elections.

The borough council elections will go ahead on May 6 this year after they were postponed due to coronavirus last year.

But people are being told that that stringent regulations will be in place at all polling stations to make sure that people are safe against the threat against coronavirus.

Town Hall officials have said that a number of new measures will be in place for those who choose to go out and physically put their 'x' in the box.

This includes asking people to bring their own pens to make their vote.

• Polling Stations will be set up to ensure maximum ventilation
  
• Voters will be asked to wear a mask
  
• Bring their own pencils to help combat coronavirus
  
• Plastic screens will be in place along with hand sanitiser to make the polls Covid-19 safe

Simone Hines, returning officer for Nuneaton and Bedworth said: “Council staff are working hard getting ready for the election on 6 May.

“Our polling stations will be safe places to vote, but if residents prefer to vote by post or by proxy, they should apply early.’’
Crucial elections

The elections are crucial as the borough council is currently a hung council - which means that party has secured an overall majority of 18 seats.

Labour lost control of the council in May 2018 and this time round, with 17 seats up for grabs, all parties will be vying for them.

As well as the borough council elections, there will also be Warwickshire County Council and Police and Crime Commissioner elections will also go ahead on Thursday, May 6.

People who are shielding are being encouraged to vote by post and rules on proxy voting, where people designate someone else to vote on their behalf, will also be changed.

This will allow people who need to self-isolate to request an emergency proxy vote up until 5pm on polling day.

To apply for a postal vote you can visit the website here

For more details about voting eligibility and how to vote, visit this website

[dutchman]

A postal vote will massively favour Labour added to which many erstwhile Tory voters will be shielding at home.

[rebbonk]

I've had notification from CCC today about the electoral register. Included in the pack was an application form for a postal vote. - I'll be posting it tomorrow.