Decision details

The committee received a report from the Democratic Services Manager regarding the local elections held on 3 May 2012.

 

The following comments were made on the report

 

i.        The smooth running of the election was welcomed. Information was requested on the plans for the Police and Crime Commissioner elections. The Democratic Services Manager explained that limited information was currently available, but advised that Councillors would be briefed at appropriate times.

 

ii.          Clarification was requested on whether it was possible (and legal) to inform voters where their postal vote had been rejected. The Democratic Services Manager agreed to explore whether this would be legal and explore the practicalities of doing so.

 

iii.          Further information was requested on the circumstances, which lead to the publication of the Mill Road Bridges magazine in the pre-election period. The Democratic Services Manager advised that the complaint was being investigated by the Head of Community Development.

 

iv.      The Democratic Services Manager agreed to investigate whether the Council had any discretion to alter the postal ballot return form, to require that the month be written in words to avoid confusion between days and months.

 

v.       The inclusion of maps on polling cards was welcomed.

 

vi.          Members of the committee expressed significant concerns about the implications of the timing of the Police and Crime Commissioner election in November.

 

Resolved to

 

i.        Note the review of the local elections held on 3^rd May 2012.