Scottish elections: Polls open in Falkirk

The polls opened at 7am, and will close at 10pm enabling voters to have their say in the Scottish Parliament elections.

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, members of the public can still visit polling places in person to cast their vote – albeit that a number of measures are in place to ensure the safety of voters and those working there.

These measures include hand sanitising stations, maintaining two metre distancing, the need to wear face coverings, and people being encouraged to bring their own pen or pencil.

There may also be some restrictions on the number of people allowed into the venue at a time.

Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19, or who has been asked to self-isolate, should not attend at a polling station.

For those who develop symptoms, or are asked to self-isolate shortly before election day, they can apply for an emergency proxy vote up until 5pm today (Thursday) – granting permission for someone else to cast their vote for them.

A large number of people applied for a postal vote for this election, and they are reminded that if they missed the post, they may hand their postal ballot paper in at their polling place by 10pm tonight.

Once the polls close, the task of counting the votes will be done over two days, with Falkirk East votes counted on Friday, May 7, and Falkirk West's on Saturday, May 8.

For further information on how to apply for an emergency proxy, voters should call 01345 55 55 11.