Safety measures for voters

You can still vote in person at a polling place in the election here in Orkney and it will be safe to do so.

Polling places will be open from 7am to 10pm.

Coronavirus guidelines

Safety measures will be in place at the polling places. We will comply with the Scottish Government coronavirus guidelines to make sure it’s safe for you to vote in person. 

When voting

1. There will be physical distancing and may be a limit on how many people are allowed inside the polling place.
2. When you go inside the polling place, you will be expected to wear a face covering like you do when you go into shops or on public transport.
3. You should sanitise your hands when you go into the polling place and when you leave. Hand sanitiser will be made available on entry and exit.
4. The polling place staff will be behind protective screens, like staff in shops but you’ll still be able to ask them for help if you need it.
5. Polling place staff will be cleaning regularly throughout the day.
6. You’re welcome to take your own pencil or pen with you if you’d like to. Fresh clean pencils will be available for each voter.
7. Where possible polling places will have a one-way system so be prepared to follow the signage and any instructions.

Planning ahead for safety

You may want to plan ahead for how to vote on polling day. Check your poll card as your polling place may have changed since the last election.

Application deadlines for the Scottish Parliament Election 2021

• New postal vote applications including proxies applying to vote by post - 5pm on Tuesday 6 April 2021
• Register to vote - Monday 19 April 2021
• New proxy vote applications - 5pm on Tuesday 27 April 2021
• to vote by proxy, after 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 - 5pm on Thursday 6 May 2021.

Most people vote in person on the day of the election at their polling station. If you can't vote in person you can apply to vote by post or for someone to vote on your behalf, known as a proxy vote.

Proxy voting

Proxy voting means someone can go to a polling station and vote for you. Your proxy can also apply to vote by post, if you apply early enough.