Make sure you’re ready to have your say on 5 May

With just over a week left until people in Fife go to the polls, Fife Council is urging voters to get ready for the upcoming council elections.

Voters have been sent a poll card  which tells them where they should go to cast their vote. You can also search for your polling place at www.fife.gov.uk/councilelections

Staff will be on hand at the polling stations to assist if you need any help at the polling place. Large print sample ballot papers and tactile voting devices will also be available to help those who are blind or partially sighted to vote.

Lindsay Thomson, Depute Returning Officer for Fife Council, said:  “Make sure you check the information on your poll card, as your polling place might have changed since the last election. You do not need your poll card to vote, but we encourage you to bring it with you to make the process quicker and more efficient.

“Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 5 May. Voters who have opted to vote by post must return their postal ballot pack by 10pm; they can hand it in at their polling place if they don’t have time to return it by post.”

Andy O’Neill, Head of the Electoral Commission in Scotland, said: “At this election you number your candidates in order of choice, using a 1 for your first choice, a 2 for your second choice, a 3 for your third and so on. You can number as many or as few candidates as you choose. If you need any information on how to fill in your ballot paper, then look out for the voter information leaflet we are sending to all households in Scotland or visit www.fife.gov.uk/councilelections”

Those voting in person on 5 May might see some public health measures in place at polling places, similar to those in place in other indoor venues. Fife Council will be following the latest public health guidance to make sure polling places are safe places to vote. And don’t forget you can bring your own pen or pencil!

If anyone is self-isolating or becomes unwell as a result of Covid-19, they don’t need to miss out on having their say. They can apply for an emergency proxy vote up to 5pm on polling day, which allows them to nominate someone they trust to go to their polling place and vote on their behalf. For further information on how to apply for an emergency proxy, is available online at www.fife.gov.uk/proxyvote