When last year’s local elections were postponed, Unlock Democracy was as concerned as anyone. 

Ultimately there was no alternative.  There was no safe way of holding elections during a national lockdown. It wouldn’t be safe for voters. It wouldn’t be safe for the thousands of council staff, volunteers and police who help make elections work.

This was a once in a lifetime delay and it really shouldn’t happen again.

But for democracy to work this time, people must feel safe in casting their vote. Without that, there cannot be a fair and just result.

We are just weeks away from what is supposed to be the start of the 2021 election campaigns. Not only do we have delayed elections from 2020, but also elections for the Scottish and Welsh Parliaments, along with a large number of Mayoral, council and police commissioner elections.

Yet despite having a year to prepare for these elections, over recent weeks it has become clear that delaying elections is again on the table. In Scotland and Wales, both governments are working on measures to make the elections Covid secure. In Scotland this includes allowing two days for voting rather than the usual one.

However in England, things are looking more precarious. It isn’t clear lessons have been learnt from last year. Earlier this week, senior Council figures who have to run the election called for them to be delayed again.  I don’t blame them.

But we’ve seen in the USA, one of the few countries with higher infection rates of COVID 19 than the UK, that holding elections safely is possible. It takes investment, innovation and determination - whether that’s moving to all postal ballots, early voting initiatives or introducing drive-through voting places where people could vote from their car.

They recognised that democracy is vital and made sure, despite severe opposition from some in the White House, that democracy went on.

The response from the Government in Westminster in contrast has been lacking in dynamism.

Unlock Democracy believes May’s elections can still go ahead in a COVID secure way and it’s the Government’s responsibility to make this happen. But time is running out fast.

Delaying these elections will be an admission of failure, and a clear sign that democracy isn’t a priority.

There’s still time to get our democracy back on track, safely.