Preston residents reminded voting will be different at this year’s local elections

The Harris has been used as a polling station at previous elections Pic: Tony Worrall

Local voters are being reminded that the upcoming Lancashire County Council elections will be different from 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.

There’s also a reminder to check your 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 is the new interim chief executive and director of resources — Angie Ridgwell

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.”

Updates on local elections in your area can be seen below

See election candidates and information below or visit InYourArea

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.