Edinburgh voters go to polls today in Craigentinny/Duddingston by-election

VOTERS in Craigentinny/Duddingston go the polls today to choose a new councillor – with extra precautions in place because of Covid.

Polling stations are open from 7am until 10pm

Polling stations are open from 7am until 10pm.

Voters are expected to wear face coverings unless exempt and polling staff will have coverings to offer to voters if needed.

Two-metres physical distancing will be maintained, which may involve a limit on the number of voters in a polling place at one time.

Voters will be asked to sanitise their hands on the way in and the way out.

Staff will also be wearing face masks and are required to keep their hands regularly sanitised.

Wherever possible a one way system has been set up in polling places and there will be “wait here” floor markings to ensure physical distancing. There will also be markings on the pavement outside buildings if necessary. Doors will be left open to help ventilation.

And there will be no pencils in the polling booths – each voter will be offered a non-returnable pencil with their ballot paper or people can use their own.

Voters will also be encouraged to leave the building straight after voting.

The election was caused by the resignation in February of SNP councillor Ian Campbell due to ill health.

There are seven candidates: Elaine Ford (Scottish Liberal Democrats), Margaret Graham (Scottish Labour Party), Tam Laird (Scottish Libertarian Party), Andrew McDonald (Independent), Ben Parker (Scottish Green Party), Eleanor Price (Scottish Conservative and Unionist) and Ethan Young (Scottish National Party).

The count takes place tomorrow and the result is expected in the afternoon.

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