Electoral Commission
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Government confirms May elections will go ahead

An Electoral Commission spokesperson commented on the UK Government’s statement, confirming that elections in England and Police and Crime Commissioner elections in Wales will go ahead in May 

“It is an important democratic principle that elections should proceed as scheduled whenever possible. The electoral community has been preparing for Covid-safe elections since last March, when the 2020 elections were postponed. Together, we have taken steps to help everyone involved take part safely and confidently. 

“Safety measures, such as face coverings, hand sanitiser and social distancing, will be in place to make polling stations safe places to vote and to work, and we are sharing information with voters so they understand the voting options available to them.

“We are supporting administrators in their complex and important work to prepare for and deliver the polls, and we will continue to update our guidance for parties, campaigners and electoral administrators as needed in order to reflect the latest public health advice and any legislative changes.”

For more information contact the Electoral Commission press office on 020 7271 0704, out of office hours 07789 920 414 or press@electoralcommission.org.uk

Notes to editors

The Electoral Commission is the independent body which oversees elections and regulates political finance in the UK. We work to promote public confidence in the democratic process and ensure its integrity by:

  • enabling the delivery of free and fair elections and referendums, focusing on the needs of electors and addressing the changing environment to ensure every vote remains secure and accessible
  • regulating political finance – taking proactive steps to increase transparency, ensure compliance and pursue breaches
  • using our expertise to make and advocate for changes to our democracy, aiming to improve fairness, transparency and efficiency

The Commission was set up in 2000 and reports to the UK and Scottish and Welsh parliaments.

The following elections are taking place on 6 May 2021:

  • Senedd Cymru / Welsh Parliamentary
  • Scottish Parliamentary
  • English local government elections (includes polls postponed from May 2020), including elections to county, district and parish councils
  • Police and Crime Commissioners (polls postponed from May 2020)
  • Combined Authority Mayoral (includes polls postponed from May 2020)
  • Local Mayoral (includes polls postponed from May 2020)
  • Mayor of London and London Assembly (polls postponed from May 2020)
Channel website: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk

Original article link: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/media-centre/government-confirms-may-elections-will-go-ahead

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