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’.

Devolution and putting place first image

Devolution and putting place first

The real lesson of Andy Burnham's Makerfield success, argues Dr Jonathan Carr-West, is that place – not personality – is the key to Britain's future.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Practitioner - Children in Care - North Essex

Essex County Council
£48205.0000 - £57988.0000 per annum
Senior Practitioner - Children in Care - North EssexPermanent, Full Time£48,205 to £57,988 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Coroners Coordinator

Essex County Council
£25959.0000 - £26632.0000 per annum
Coroners CoordinatorPermanent, Full Time£25,959 to £26,632 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Adults Social Worker - Discharge to Assess

Essex County Council
£38487 - £51834 per annum
Interviews will be held in person at Rowan House, Colchester in late July 2026.This advert is open to Experienced Qualified Social Worker's About Our England, Essex, Colchester
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Organisational Development Adviser

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
43545 - 55992
Job Title
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

School Crossing Patroller

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Pro Rata Salary - £5353,77
Job Title
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Linkedin Banner