Agenda item

The Committee received an update report on the preparations for the combined Local Government and Mayoral Elections taking place on Thursday 4th May, 2017. Details of these preparations were outlined within paragraphs 5 to 9 of the report.

Additionally, there were currently vacancies on the Sprotbrough and Cusworth Parish Council and it had been confirmed that voting would also take place for these vacancies on the 4th May. Members were also advised that there would also be a Bi-Election taking place in Hatfield on Thursday 23rd March and the cost of that election would be charged to the Town Council.

Following the update Members were afforded the opportunity to make comments and asked questions as follows:-

·         Clarity was sought in relation to count procedures, particularly the use of counting sheets. It was reported that a briefing session for candidates would be taking place on the 5th April, 2017 where all processes would be explained.

·         It was asked whether Polling Station staff were able to inform voters that they were eligible to have 3 votes. It was confirmed that this would be the case when handing voters their ballot papers.

·         In relation to spoilt ballot papers, members were advised that if a voter had spoilt a ballot paper then staff would issue a new paper and the spoilt vote would be placed in an envelope and retained by the presiding officer, it would also be marked on the register that a new ballot paper had been issued.

·         Following clarification regarding the Polling Station Finder App, it was noted that this information would be on polling cards.

·         With regard to the Hatfield By-Election, it was asked whether it was possible for Members to view the Count. It was advised that only those appointed by Candidates as Counting agents would be eligible.

·         Clarification was sought as to how many people would be allowed to attend the verification and count for the Local/Mayoral Elections. It was noted that this information would be advised once the number of candidates was known following the close of nominations.

Discussion took place with regard to the change of polling place in the Thorne and Moorends Ward where Members raised their views and concerns with regard to the change in venue. It was reported that this was a relatively unique situation. It was noted that complaints about the use of the venue as a polling place had been made in 2015 and that the Returning Officer had agreed at the time to enquire if alternative venues could be identified. Members felt that the existing venue was the most suitable building as it was well established and known to the community. Members felt that there could be many similar venues that were managed by either sitting Councillors/ Parish Councillors throughout the borough and that the decision to replace the venue could potentially set a precedent resulting in fewer premises available to use as polling places.

It was proposed by Councillor John McHale and seconded by Councillor Nick Allen, that the Returning Officer be invited to reconsider the decision to replace the polling place.

On being put to the vote, the Motion was declared as follows:-

For:     8          Against:         0          Abstain:  0

RESOLVED that the Returning Officer be asked to reconsider the decision to replace the existing polling place in Thorne and Moorends (Miners Welfare & Community Centre) with a new Polling place (The Community Centre, Northgate) on the grounds that the Miners Welfare and Community Centre was already established and well known to the local community and that there could be many similar venues that were managed by either sitting Councillors/Parish Councillors throughout the borough and the decision to replace this venue could set a precedent resulting in fewer premises available to use as polling places.