Local Government: Elections

(asked on 14th January 2021) - View Source

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the proportion of the people who volunteer on a regular basis to staff polling stations and count votes at elections who will not be available to do so on 6 May as a result of (1) having contracted COVID-19, (2) self-isolating, (3) working at home, (4) being unwilling for other perceived safety reasons, and (5) other reasons; and what assessment they have made of the ability of local authorities (a) to recruit other people, and (b) provide them with the necessary training, to support such polling stations.


Answered by
Lord True Portrait
Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
This question was answered on 28th January 2021

Primary legislation states that the elections will go ahead in May 2021.

We continue to work closely with the electoral and public health bodies to resolve challenges and ensure everyone will be able to cast their vote safely and securely - and in a way of their choosing. We are also working to ensure that disruption to children’s education is kept to an absolute minimum. Schools and local authorities should consider relevant public health advice.

We are providing for voters to be able to appoint a proxy at short notice if they need to isolate shortly before or on the day of the polls. Guidance will be published in good time ahead of the polls and this matter will be kept under review.

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