Election Day – what to expect

Everyone is encouraged to vote in the Scottish Parliament election on 6 May – and this year folk are reminded that there will be some additional safety measures in place due to COVID-19 for those choosing to cast their vote in person.

Two of our regular Polling Stations have moved - voters in Kirkwall will be invited to attend at the Pickaquoy Centre and not the St Magnus Centre to accommodate social distancing requirements due to the ongoing restrictions. The South Ronaldsay and Burray Polling Station is also on the move from the ‘Hope School to the Cromarty Hall. Don’t worry though as your poll card details where your polling station is although you don’t have to have your polling card with you in order to place your vote.

Here’s a few reminders of what to expect on the day:

• Polling Stations will be open from 07:00 (7am) – 22:00 (10pm) and all safety precautions and guidance measures will be adhered to. This includes physical distancing, limitations on the numbers inside where necessary and one-way systems where possible.
• Marshalls will be on hand at all the polling stations to guide folk on where to go – please if you are unsure of any procedure just ask.
• Face coverings are required to be worn and hand sanitizer will be available on entry and exit.
• Staff will be behind protective screens, and venues will be cleaned thoroughly throughout the day.
• Voters are welcome to take their own pen or pencil, however there will be a fresh, clean one available for each person.

OIC Returning Officer, John Mundell, said: “We are having to do some things differently this year due to the ongoing restrictions and ensuring we are adhering to all the necessary precautions and COVID-19 safety measures. This has necessitated a move for two of our Polling Stations.

“We have endeavoured to provide a convenient and safe way for anyone to place their vote whether it be postal, proxy (someone who votes on your behalf) or indeed by coming along to your nearest Polling Station. We aim to provide as much assistance as possible to the people of Orkney to enable everyone to cast their vote.

Several deadlines have now passed but you can still apply for a new proxy vote application until 5pm on Tuesday 27 April 2021. To vote by proxy, after 17:00 (5pm) on Tuesday 27 April 2021, on the grounds of a medical emergency or where you learn you cannot go to the polling station because of work service reasons – the deadline is 17:00 (5pm) on Thursday 6 May 2021.

Election information can be viewed on the Council's Scottish Parliament Election web page.