Local elections will be going ahead in May, says the Government, which says it will provide £31million to councils for plastic screens and hand sanitisers.

Voters will be asked to bring their own pen to the polling station, and people shielding will be encouraged to use a postal vote.

On Thursday May 6, elections are due to be held for Cornwall Council, numerous Town and Parish Councils, and the Devon and Cornwall Police Crime Commissioner.

The Government says that it plans to have vaccinated all of the top nine priority groups by May, including over 50s, which gives it confidence to say the elections can go ahead.

Cornwall Council says it’s committed to delivering safe elections, and that people can expect many of the measures they’ve become used to over recent months, such as the use of hand sanitiser, floor markings and face coverings.

Residents can also vote by post or nominate another individual to vote for them, if they prefer.

Cornwall Council’s Chief Executive and Acting Returning Officer Kate Kennally said: “For many months our teams have been preparing to deliver covid-safe elections on May 6.

“We are closely following the advice from the government and are working with our Public Health colleagues to ensure that the people of Cornwall can exercise their right to vote safely and allow their voices to be heard.”

Cornwall Council is currently recruiting poll clerks and counting staff. All staff will be provided with the appropriate personal protective equipment and additional covid-safe training will also be given.

To vote in these elections, anyone who is not registered or has recently moved must have registered by midnight on Monday, April 19. People must re-register if they’ve changed address, name or nationality.

If you are already registered, you do not need to apply again unless your circumstances have recently changed.

Further information about registering to vote can be found on the Electoral Commission website.