Local election rules to follow as voting experience changes in 2021
The 2021 elections feature a number of votes postponed from last year. As a result of the Covid pandemic, there are extra measures to make everyone stays safe on polling day.
This week's local elections will look a little different for those voting, and those standing for election.
The pandemic has impacted all aspects of life and the democratic process is no exception with voters visiting the polls on Thursday being asked to don their mask as they enter the polling station – and to take their own pen or pencil.
Similar to visits to supermarkets or shops, voters may have to queue outside while they wait for their opportunity to vote.
This week sees all of Shropshire Council's seats up for election, two Telford & Wrekin Council seats in by-elections, all of the county's town and parish councils, the police and crime commissioner's post, as well as Welsh Government elections in Wales.
The timetable will see Telford & Wrekin Council likely to declare its results of the Donnington and Dawley first.
Counting on the by-elections will begin on Thursday evening with results expected in the early hours of the morning.
The Welsh Government votes for Montgomeryshire and Brecon and Radnorshire, as well as the Mid and West Wales list candidate, will be counted on Friday with results expected sometime during the day.
Shropshire Council is expected to declare around nine results from late afternoon on Friday with the majority of declarations coming throughout Saturday – by the end of which it will be revealed who has control of the authority.
Town and parish council declarations will be made on Sunday, with the final count to determine the new West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner taking place on Monday.
There will also be considerable differences in the way the Shropshire Council count takes place.
Previously Shrewsbury Sports Village, the venue, would be bustling with candidates, agents, officials, the media, and even the odd interested member of the public.
This time round due to the limitations on space no one apart from count staff will be allowed in the building, with results to be declared from the doors to candidates waiting on the patio outside.
They will be called in turn by ward and will be asked to wait in their car until it is time for the declaration.
