Plans on track for elections in Newcastle

In Newcastle this means combined Local and Police and Crime Commissioner elections will go ahead, and preparations are on track to enable the elections to go ahead in a way which is COVID-secure for voters and staff.

The council recently wrote to all polling station voters in the city reminding them of the opportunity to elect to vote by post, meaning they would not need to attend a polling station. 

For those who opt to vote in person, the council will have the same number of polling stations (123) as in years past, but the voter experience will be very different. 

 Voters will be asked to bring their own pens or pencils to fill in their ballot papers and it will be compulsory to wear face coverings in polling stations unless they can provide a medical exemption. 

 Hand sanitisers, divider screens at the polling desk and social distancing markers will also be in place at polling stations.

 Returning officer, Pat Ritchie, said: “Not surprisingly because of the pandemic this year will be one of the most difficult and challenging years to hold elections, but our preparations are well underway.

“We would encourage as many people as possible to register and cast their vote by post. Our number one priority remains the safety of voters. 

“Those who choose to vote in person will see a few changes this year designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. For example, it may take a little longer to vote and to count the votes, but our plans are coming together.

“Voters can be assured that we are doing everything that we possibly can to enable them to cast their vote safely and in confidence.”

 Preparations are also in hand to recruit staff to cover polling stations, postal vote opening and counters for the local elections on election night and the following day (Friday May 7) for the Police and Crime Commissioner count. 

 Although arrangements are yet to be finalised its envisaged fewer people and media will be allowed into the count venue this year, though pooling arrangements for the media will be agreed. 

 In deciding to go ahead with the elections, the Government cited how elections had successfully gone ahead in Ireland, Portugal, and the United States to name a few.