Thomas Bridge 08 May 2015

Councils say ‘sorry’ after voting blunders

Councils from across the country have been forced to apologise after voting errors left scores of constituents struggling to vote.

Polling cards with directing voters to the incorrect polling stations were issued in Hounslow, while around 100 people are thought to have been unable to vote in Bournemouth due to administrative errors in the sending out of ballot papers.

Bournemouth said the Electoral Commission was ‘satisfied’ with the approach the town hall took to ensure people affected by the issue could still cast their vote. The town hall handed out targeted flyers and set up a local helpline to provide assistance or transport support.

In a statement, Bournemouth said: ‘We apologise unreservedly for the inconvenience caused’.

A number of polling cards with incorrect information on polling stations were sent out to registered voters in Hounslow.

The London borough of Hounslow was forced to shuttle voters between polling stations after many people in its Bedfont constituency were provided with the wrong directions on where to vote.

Hounslow LBC later apologised for any inconvenience caused.

Mendip Council in Somerset admitted a number of residents had failed to receive their postal voting pack in time and urged those affected to submit their ballot at town hall offices.

East London’s Hackney Council acknowledged there had been an ‘issue’ for numerous voters who used online registration systems and were failing to appear on the printed register.

However the town hall affirmed ‘nearly all of these have been able to vote’ after issues were resolved and said it was ‘confident’ the vast majority of residents would ‘be able to vote without any problems’.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Lead Social Worker WMF2939e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£47,181 to £48,226
We have an exciting opportunity for the role of Lead Social Worker in the Learning Disability, Transition and Autism Team Barrow in Furness, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Streetworks Compliance Officer WMF2942e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£36,363.00 - £37,280.00
The Streetworks Compliance Officer role within the Highways Service plays a vital part in managing and overseeing streetworks Kendal, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Family Hub Practitioner - WMF2923e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£32,061 - £32,597
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Family Hub Practitioner in the Best Start Family Hubs Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Support Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 pro rata
We have an exciting opportunity for a part time temporary 24 month contract Support Officer to join our dedicated team within Business Services. WH Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£37,101- £45,352
KS2 Class Teacher (Maternity Cover)  This is a maternity cover post and will continue until the substantive post holder returns. The successful candid Peterlee
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner