Agenda item

The report reviews the arrangements for the Arun District and Town/Parish Elections and the European Parliamentary Elections which took place on 2 May and 23 May 2019 respectively.  The report provides key facts, figures, information and feedback and considers lessons learnt, as well as seeking support for future improvements.

Nigel Lynn, Electoral Registration Officer introduced this report to the Sub-Committee and provided an overview of key facts, figures, information and feedback on the Arun District and Town/Parish Election held on 2 May 2019 and the European Parliamentary Election held on 23 May 2019.

Key Points highlighted were:

§  These Elections were particularly challenging & thanks to all team members who worked hard to ensure that these elections where executed successfully

§  Staffing remained the biggest challenge as with any Election a total of 320 volunteer staff are needed to run an Election on the day and at the Count, as well as ensuring that the day-to-day running of the Council continues as usual

§  The timetable for running Elections in parallel was a difficult challenge

§  Minimal complaints had been receive, the main trend for these complaints were surrounding Royal Mail and the Postal Voting process was still viewed to be a complicated process for Voters.

§  Printing is the biggest risk to any Election as the Council is reliant on 4 or 5 printing companies to deliver.

§  3278 election related calls had been received by Arun Direct and dealt with during this Election period

§  Kangaroo Boards were used for the first time at the count and the feedback overall was these were a useful tool to help with that part of the process

§  Both Elections were successful, with a transparent and fair process having been followed

§  A thank you was given to all members of staff who were involved in this process.

Comments made by the Sub-Committee were:

§  Look into a better PA system and Platform area that incorporates wheelchair access for future Elections.

§  Candidates found the mobile phone ban difficult and unnecessary, understanding that this is due to the secrecy of the count, a suggestion made was to consider a separate space within the count room to be sectioned off that would allow for use of mobile phones. Although the Chief Executive explained that the previous room available had now been converted into the gym expansion.

§  Communication between the Returning Officer and candidates immediately before results were announced, was raised as a matter that needed further consideration for the future.

§  Layout of the count room, suggestions were put forward to improve the layout of the room from a Candidates perspective and it was agreed would be looked into in more detail to ensure all options could be considered for future Elections. Members were asked to provide further information on alternatives which they had seen working elsewhere.

§  Regarding Poll cards a suggestion put forward was to consider printing a map of the location of the Polling Station on the back of the Poll Card which would help voters ensure they attended the correct Polling Station.

§  Some discussion was had regarding the time of declaration on the day of the Count, it was felt that this process took too long and it was requested to be looked into, to see if the process could be improved.

The Sub-Committee noted the report.