New government rules coming into force on March 8 will help county, town and parish council candidate campaigning keep democracy flowing and Covid-safe. 

The government has recently published campaigning guidance to ensure a Covid-safe run up to the May elections – and come into effect on March 8.

Campaigners will be able to canvass door-to-door under the new rules from March 8, as long as they follow social distancing rules, and don’t enter people’s properties. Group canvassing will be permitted from the end of March.

Any and all campaign activity will still need to adhere to social distancing rules and the limits placed onto gatherings. 

Leafleting will be allowed for those canvassing, campaigners must speak to residents on their doorsteps and maintain 2m distance at all times and campaigners must ensure all Covid-19 measures are followed to the letter. 

Campaigners should only enter shared hallways in flat blocks if absolutely necessary to reach individual homes, and this should only be carried out by one campaigner. 

Campaigners are advised not to meet indoors and all meetings to organise and plan campaigns (including hustings and public meetings) should be conducted online or over the phone. 

It is also advised that prior to any campaigning, participants undertake a risk assessment. 

The guidance on the government’s website says: “Voters can continue to get campaigning information remotely, for example through online campaign events and materials. 

“Use of online and telephone campaigning remains the safest way to conduct campaigning for the polls on May 6.

Leaving home to undertake leafleting increases the risk of unnecessary social interactions and viral transmission both during travel and on doorsteps. 

“Campaigners should instead ensure leafleting is carried out through existing commercial delivery services.”

Kate Blackburn, director for public health in the county said it was vital that any campaigning was done as safely as possible. 

“The new provisions will be applicable from March 8 to ensure all electors can be contacted and ensure there is equality of access to information, so electors can make informed decisions on who and what they vote for.”

These new rules are applied nationally to ensure a level playing field across areas, particularly in the Police and Crime Commissioner elections, which are shared between the Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council areas. 

From Monday, March 29 six people or two households can meet outdoors in support of political campaigning or canvassing, meetings at this time should still be held indoors.