Issue - meetings

The Committee received a report from the Chief Executive.

The Committee made the following comments in response to the report:

       i.          Expressed concern that the Panton Street Polling Station was unfit for purpose as it was not accessible when the front door was unusable as the back door opened onto a narrow street. Suggested using alternative venues in the ward such as the Centre at St Pauls, Hills Road or the or the Signal Box on Glenalmond Avenue.

     ii.          Polling station staff did not always pass on turn-out figures to candidates. Requested staff were briefed so they knew this should be actioned upon request.

   iii.          Referred to agenda P333 item 4.13 and took issue with the statement that no complaints had been being reported. A number of residents who lived in Walpole Road were unable to vote at Walpole Road Polling Station because of the change in pooling district boundaries.

The Chief Executive said the following in response to Members’ questions:

       i.          Panton Street Polling Station front doors were shut due to building work.

     ii.          Other venues could be asked if they were willing to act as polling stations, but they were not always willing to do so. This made it difficult to find accessible buildings.

   iii.          The Chief Executive could exercise discretion on whether to provide turn out figures or not at polling stations. She had instructed Poll Clerks to pass on this information in the last election. This issue would be addressed in Presiding Officer training.

   iv.          She was aware about the concerns in Walpole Road and agreed this should be reviewed in future.

The Committee noted the Officer’s report and provided the feedback noted above to the Returning Officer on issues it would like to be considered in the management of future polls.