Elections 2021 - Vote Safe Southend

May 4, 2021

Voters will see additional safety measures in place at polling stations tomorrow (Thursday 6 May).

If voting in person on Thursday 6 May for the local Borough and Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC) elections, voters can expect to see some changes, with polling stations being made COVID-secure. A short animation (attached) has been produced highlighting what to expect, and is being shared across social media channels.

The following will be put in place at polling stations:

•          One-way systems where space allows
•          Sanitising stations on arrival and exit
•          Social distancing markers inside and out
•          Socially distanced polling booths and tables
•          Good ventilation

Please also be aware that:

•          You may need to queue due to social distancing measures, so please dress appropriately and be prepared for bad weather
•          Polling staff will be wearing masks when moving around the polling station. Voters are also asked to wear a face covering unless exempt
•          Your ballot paper will be issued to you from behind a screen
•          You can bring your own pen or pencil

Alison Griffin, chief executive of the council and returning officer for the Borough elections, says: “Our teams have worked hard to introduce COVID-secure measures into polling stations, so that everyone voting in person can do so safely.

“Please follow the instructions of polling staff and signage directing you through the polling station. If you have a postal vote that you haven’t put into the post, please remember that you can take it to a polling station before they close at 10pm and it will be counted.”

For more information on the 2021 elections, please visit our website.

Those standing for the local Borough election can be viewed on our website.

Those standing for the PFCC election can be viewed on our website.