Questions posed about safety of holding West Sussex County Council election

All seats at County Hall are up for grabs this year with voting also due to take place on a new Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner.

At the start of this month, the government confirmed local elections in England would go ahead, with extra funding to make polling stations Covid-safe, while people shielding would be encouraged to vote by post.

While Mid Sussex Labour has put forward its candidates for the WSCC election, they say the health of residents must come first.

They point out how each candidate needs ten nomination signatures to be included on the ballot, how campaign leaflets are one of the most important sources of information on candidates but with government guidance prohibiting door-to-door, the safe alternative of using Royal Mail deliveries could mean costs breach legal election spending limits.

Canvassing, which has been curtailed, is a key part of the democratic process with volunteers usually knocking on doors and speaking to residents.

Meanwhile on election day itself staff and voters could be vulnerable at polling stations,then staff and volunteers could also be at risk of infection when votes are counted.

The Labour candidates added: “Before any more money is spent and to avoid a late U-turn postponing election day, the Government must publish its risk analysis for election day. We want elections to take place safely and democratically. If the Government cannot guarantee that we call for postponement until a safer date.”

The candidates who jointly released the statement are: Pam Haigh (Burgess Hill North), Paul Kenny (Cuckfield & Lucastes), Greg Mountain (Haywards Heath Town), Richard Whiting (Haywards Heath East), Alison Whelan (Hurstpierpoint & Bolney) and Tim Weekes (Lindfield & High Weald).