Voters are being reminded that the upcoming Lancashire County Council elections will be different to usual to make them Covid-safe. People are being asked to remember to wear a face covering, and bring their own pen or pencil, when voting on Thursday 6 May.
Everyone is also being urged to check their polling card as in some cases polling station locations have changed because the usual venue is too small to be made Covid-safe.
There are special arrangements in place to ensure that anyone who needs to self-isolate, or becomes unwell as a result of Covid-19 shortly before polling day, can still cast their vote. Anyone in this position will be able to apply for an emergency proxy vote, where someone they trust can vote on their behalf, by contacting the electoral registration team at their local district or borough council.
Anyone who has symptoms of Covid-19, or has been asked to self-isolate, should not attend the polling station.
Polling stations will be kept clean, and ventilated as well as possible, with hand sanitiser available at the entrance and exit.
Angie Ridgwell, returning officer for the Lancashire County Council elections, said: "These elections are your chance to have your say about who will take decisions on the many vital services which the county council delivers over the next four years.
"We have been making every effort to make sure polling stations are Covid-safe to protect people from the virus, and give everyone who has chosen to vote in person the confidence to cast their vote.
"There will be extra staff on hand to manage the numbers inside polling stations, and we're grateful for people's patience if they are asked to queue for a while.
"Pens and masks will be available for anyone who has forgotten them, but it will help things to run smoothly if people can please remember to bring their own.
"A small number of polling stations have had to change location as it was not possible to make the usual building Covid-safe, so I'd also remind everyone to check their polling card.
"It's really important you don't come to the polls if you have symptoms of Covid-19 or need to self-isolate, but you can still cast your vote by nominating someone you trust to vote on your behalf right up until 5pm on polling day. If you do need to arrange a proxy vote, please contact your local council who will put you in touch with their electoral registration team."
You can find out everything you need to know about the Lancashire County Council elections, including the measures being taken to make the elections Covid-safe, at lancashire.gov.uk/elections.
Friends from Morecambe to take on Ultra Marathon for brave toddler
Firefighters and swim centre team give key water safety message on Morecambe school visit
Police probe after stolen motorbike being ridden dangerously found in Morecambe
Man arrested in Lancaster after bridge jump hoax call
Local hospice wins national award for Will donation campaign
Cash boost for babies and families at Royal Lancaster Infirmary after fundraising at local golf club
Morecambe’s Pride in Place Board give update on West End investment programme
Children's play area in Lancaster opens after £118k revamp
Illegal tobacco and counterfeit clothing seized during raid on Lancaster city centre shop
Lancaster bowling green fundraiser hits target
Six food businesses in Lancaster district fail allergen tests
LISTEN: Stars of Morecambe and Wise stage show can't wait for Eric's 100th birthday
LISTEN: Thousands enjoy Wray Fair finale to annual scarecrow festival
PHOTOS and VIDEO: Incredible sand art on Morecambe beach honours Sir David Attenborough
Row over Morecambe FC debt as ex-directors' firm issues winding-up petition against club
Morecambe Pride handed £3,500 grant boost
North West awards delight for talented stars of Lancaster musicals
Music festival set for Lancaster over Bank Holiday postponed due to ‘ongoing planning’
Lancashire Police Museum in Lancaster celebrates fourth anniversary
Police investigate alleged sexual exploitation at Lancaster flat
