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’.

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know image

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know

Councils and mayors are to be handed a central role in developing skills pipelines for local industries, as the Government unveils what it calls a ‘fundamental change’ to the education system aimed at tackling youth unemployment. Here's what council leaders and officers need to know.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Harbour Operative

North Yorkshire Council
£25,614 - £26,847 Per annum
As our Harbour Operative, you will play a key role in promoting the harbour to both visiting and local vessels. Whitby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Bridge Operative

North Yorkshire Council
£26,847 - £28,153 pro rata per
The role has a three-week rota which allows for variety and rotation of weekend working, with additional payments for night and weekend work. Whitby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

D1 Licensed Minibus Driver

North Yorkshire Council
£25,614 - £26,847 pro rata per annum
If you love working with people and naturally look out for others, you’re exactly who we’re looking for. Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

School Crossing Patrol

North Yorkshire Council
£13.28 - £13.92 per hour
We are currently looking for a dedicated School Crossing Patrol officer in Great Ayton who wants to make a real difference to their local community. Easingwold, York
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Principal Lawyer Litigation and Housing

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£53,051 to £58,258
We are looking for an enthusiastic, hardworking Lawyer to take on a leadership role within our Litigation and Housing Team. Huddersfield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Linkedin Banner