Referendum / Local Elections - Thursday, 5th May 2011
A short briefing session on the Referendum and Local Elections to be held on Thursday, 5th May 2011 will be presented and any questions taken.
Minutes:
Mrs. S. Mould, Electoral Services Manager, gave a brief presentation in respect of the forthcoming District and Parish Elections, and the Referendum. She outlined the significant dates relating to the publication of the Notice of Election, submission of Nomination Papers, statement of persons nominated and publication of the Notice of Poll. She also explained the arrangements for registration to vote, postal and proxy voting and the final few days leading up to the day of the Election. She added that these important dates had to take into account the Bank Holidays during the two weeks before the 5th May 2011.
Mrs. Mould clarified the procedures for the completion of Nomination Papers and stressed the need for both accuracy and use of up-to-date information. She also gave an explanation of processes and procedures on the day of Election, together with the arrangements being made for the verification and counting of votes.
Finally, Mrs. Mould informed the Forum that she was only responsible for the administration of the return of expenses and would not therefore be checking them. However, she warned that failure to return the completed expenses form before the specified deadline would be a reportable offence to the Crown Prosecution Service. The Electoral Commission also carry out random checks, contacting Returning Officers who are obliged to provide full details.
Mrs. Mould then responded to a number of questions from Members of the Forum, mainly relating to the District Councils charge to the Parish Councils for conducting the elections on their behalf.