Senedd election polling stations will be safe places

Despite Covid-19 Electoral Commission planners are making arrangements for the Senedd elections to go ahead on May 6 alongside elections for the South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner.

For the first time in an election young people aged 16 and 17 will be allowed to cast their vote for the Senedd following changes in the law. Qualifying foreign nationals will also be allowed to participate.

There will be a number of ways for voters to have their say including access to polling stations as well as the opportunity to vote by post, or by appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf, which is known as a proxy vote.

Phil Roberts, Returning Officer for the three constituency areas of Swansea and the council’s chief executive, said: “The elections next year are very important – they’re an opportunity to make your voice heard and have a say on who represents you on issues that directly affect day-to-day life in our communities.

“Our election team is already working up its plans now so that you can do so safely whether you choose to vote by post, proxy or at a polling station.

“We’re putting arrangements in place to help you stay safe at the polling station; you can expect many of the measures you’ve become used to in shops and banks over recent months, such as hand sanitiser, floor markings and face masks.”

Rhydian Thomas, Head of Electoral Commission, Wales said:  “The choice on how to vote at next May’s elections is yours – you can have your say in person, by post or by proxy.

“If you’re thinking about voting by post, you can apply now. This will make sure your application is processed early, and your postal vote can be sent to you more quickly. It’s easy to apply and you can find out how by visiting the Electoral Commission website.”

You need to be registered to vote in order to have a say at the elections – the easiest way to register is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote