Minutes:
Christie Tims, Assistant Director of Operations, Regulation & Enforcement and Deputy Returning Officer provided an updated presentation to members further to the presentation given to January’s meeting. She advised members that all the changes to the 2023 Election had now been made and all training received. The planning/ preparations are where we were expecting it to be, and the Voter ID applications were coming through the portal steadily. She said there was a new form - Ballot Paper Refusal List which would be an ongoing characteristic going forward which the polling station staff will be asked to complete to specify and keep a running total of those who have been refused a ballot paper and the reasons for the refusal. This will link to the prescribed questions. Another addition is a Voter Identification Evaluation Form – to be used at this Election and the first General Election to track people who have not brought the recommended form of ID. The new process will be for the Presiding Officer to check the ID after the voter has confirmed their name and address before the number list is marked and any ballot paper is given out.
Ms Tims advised that 59 Voter ID applications had been received so far and 20 applications were currently on hold due to unsuitable photographs.
There had also been 2 anonymous Voter ID applications received to date.
Members were reminded that postal votes are not affected for this Election and if
voting by proxy – the person acting as proxy must have their ID.
Ms Tims confirmed that a lot of social media had been done since last time, linking it to the national campaign. All newsletters and one free newspaper had included the need for photo ID at all poll stations and posters and leaflets will be sent to key partners. Some leaflets had been put in with the council tax bills and press releases were ongoing up until the polling day. It was confirmed that the poll cards would have clear messaging on the front of them and a list of the acceptable forms of ID too. Ms Tims said she was meeting with several outreach groups and parish councils to encourage and see if any thing can be done to help with regards to accessibility and all the TV adverts were increasing.
Members were advised that the government were also running a campaign on voter fraud ensuring you are not being persuaded to vote by anyone and the timing was exactly the same.
Ms Tims confirmed that there was an active recruitment drive for all polling stations currently taking place with an increased number of Supervisors to help Presiding Officers with Voter ID problems being allocated.
Quick Reminder – Election Day – Thursday 4 May 2023 – Stations open from 7am-10pm Receipting/Verification into the early hours at Burntwood Leisure Centre
and
10am Friday Count will take place
The pre-election period is due to start 21 March meaning a restriction on council resources for Election reasons but council business is as usual.
Members suggested contact be made with the Lichfield Mosque and faith groups who may be organisations affected.
RESOLVED: That the presentation be circulated to all committee members and a verbal update be given at a future meeting after the Election.