Safety of Local Elections Covid-19 2021-03-25
2021-03-25
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Concern about ensuring the safety of voters and candidates during the pandemic for upcoming local elections.
What steps his Department is taking to help ensure that the 7 May 2021 local elections can take place safely during the covid-19 outbreak?
On 5 February this year, the Government published a delivery plan outlining how the polls will be delivered in a covid-secure way. That is backed by £32 million funding uplift for returning officers and local authorities to address costs related to covid and by changes to the law made by Parliament to help voters and candidates participate safely in elections.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Concern about ensuring that the count is secure and postal votes are handled properly during the pandemic.
Could she provide an update on what actions she is taking to ensure that the count is secure and that postal votes are treated appropriately, particularly during the pandemic?
An update will be provided today by written ministerial statement giving full details. The Electoral Commission has produced guidance for the count, and we have worked with it to ensure that is properly up to date. Postal votes and other items of paperwork do not need to be quarantined contrary to some recent media reporting.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern about the impact of voter ID requirements on democracy, including millions missing from the electoral register.
What would she say to a vulnerable person who has voted in person for their entire life but now feels it is unsafe to do so due to this Government's lack of action?
I would encourage any such person to apply for a postal vote, which I will be using at this local election. Postal votes do not need to be quarantined contrary to some recent media reporting. The hon. Lady should explain why the Labour party does not practise what it preaches by asking for voter ID at its own meetings.
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Assessment & feedback
May I Call Out The Hon. Lady For Her Needless Posturing?
Response accuracy