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’.

LocalGov Weekly Round Up image

LocalGov Weekly Round Up

A pivotal week for councils sees fresh devolution plans, new service pilots and key legal and political battles, writes LocalGov editor William Eichler.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Safeguarding Legal Services

Redbridge London Borough Council
£79,119 – £92,538
And we are reshaping our organisation to be better equipped to have the greatest impact for our community. Redbridge, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Redbridge London Borough Council

Local Land Charges Spatial Data Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Salary From £37,602-£45,564 Depending on skills,
Job Title
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Head of Litigation

Redbridge London Borough Council
£79,119 – £92,538
Redbridge is changing. Redbridge, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Redbridge London Borough Council

Head of Commercial Legal Services

Redbridge London Borough Council
£79,119 – £92,538
And we are reshaping our organisation to be better equipped to have the greatest impact for our community. Redbridge, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Redbridge London Borough Council

Youth Engagement Worker x 8 posts (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 5, £13.26 per hour
The Partnership & Engagement Team are looking for 8, part time Youth Engagement Workers. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council
Linkedin Banner