Diolch, Llywydd. Elections are essential to our democracy. Anything that impacts them should be taken seriously, so I am pleased to bring these regulations before you and to hear the views of colleagues in the Chamber today on the Representation of the People (Amendment) (Wales) (Coronavirus) (No. 2) Regulations 2021.

I want to ensure that local by-elections are conducted safely and in a way that maximises the opportunity for everyone to cast their vote. Proxy votes allow people who cannot vote in person to have a trusted person vote on their behalf. In addition, emergency proxy votes are available up to 5 p.m. on the day of the election for certain medical reasons. The Representation of the People (Amendment) (Wales) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2021, which came into force on 25 February this year, expanded these reasons to include those who are self-isolating or following Government advice in relation to COVID-19. This ensured that emergency proxies were available to all electors who were required to self-isolate but who also wished to participate in local government by-elections. Without those amended regulations, a group of people might be disenfranchised for following Government advice, meaning that they will not be able to leave the house to vote in person. The emergency proxy votes for reasons of COVID-19 were also made available at the Senedd elections. The Electoral Commission's report on the May 2021 elections, which included some by-elections, reported that of all proxies appointed, 5 per cent were emergency proxies and 2 per cent were due to COVID-19, and that this option is an important part of elections whilst requirements to isolate remain.