The move is one of the practical steps being planned to ensure that a huge set of elections this spring can go ahead safely. As a result of last year’s postponements, this year will see elections for local councils, 13 directly elected mayors and 40 police and crime commissioners in England and Wales. And although elections are set to go ahead as planned, Boris Johnson has said he is keeping the date under review. “Voters can bring their own pen or pencil to vote,” said Craig Westwood, the Electoral Commission’s director of communications, policy and research. We’re comfortable that local authorities can make them safe, with support from voters in following the advice they’re given.

Source: The Guardian January 10, 2021 09:45 UTC