Election 2023: Postal Voting Delays Hit Scotland and Southern England
Delays to Postal Voting System Ahead of Election
The UK’s postal voting system is facing "pressures" ahead of the upcoming election, with delays reported in Scotland and parts of southern England. The Electoral Commission, the UK’s elections watchdog, has warned that tens of thousands of postal votes have been delivered over the weekend, but admitted that there are "pressures on the postal voting system due to the holiday season".
Delays in Scotland and Southern England
Several Scottish councils were forced to run weekend emergency help centers for voters whose postal voting packs had not arrived. In Scotland, delays in printing some ballot papers and a high number of voters leaving for summer holidays after the school term ended last week contributed to the delays.
In southern England, parts of London, Essex, and Devon have also faced reported delays to deliveries. Royal Mail, the company responsible for delivering the postal votes, insisted that any problems were not its fault, stating that there was no backlog of postal votes and that ballot packs were being delivered as soon as they arrived in their network.
Voters Affected
Voters who use a postal vote must send back their completed ballots to arrive by 10pm on Thursday, the same time that polls close for in-person voters. Anyone who has not received ballot papers is able to fill their postal vote out in person at a council’s offices before 5pm on Thursday.
Causes of Delays
The Association of Electoral Administrators, a group that represents local councils, has said that the delays in Scotland were caused by a combination of factors, including delays in printing some ballot papers and a high number of voters leaving for summer holidays.
In Essex, Uttlesford District Council admitted that it sent out some postal votes late due to "human error". The council has urged voters to send back their ballots immediately to ensure they arrive by polling day on Thursday.
Impact on Election
The delays to the postal voting system are likely to have an impact on the election, with some voters potentially missing the deadline to return their ballots. The Association of Electoral Administrators has said that more than 10mn people are expected to ask for postal votes in the current general election, a 20 per cent increase from the 2019 general election.
Conclusion
The delays to the postal voting system are a concern ahead of the election, and voters are advised to check with their local council to ensure that their ballot papers have been delivered. The Electoral Commission and local councils are working to resolve the issues and ensure that all voters are able to exercise their right to vote.
FAQs
Q: Why are there delays to the postal voting system?
A: The delays are due to a combination of factors, including delays in printing some ballot papers and a high number of voters leaving for summer holidays.
Q: What should I do if I haven’t received my postal vote?
A: You should contact your local council to report the issue and arrange to fill out your postal vote in person at a council office.
Q: Can I still vote if I haven’t received my postal vote?
A: Yes, you can still vote in person at a polling station on election day.
Q: How many people are expected to ask for postal votes in the current general election?
A: More than 10mn people are expected to ask for postal votes, a 20 per cent increase from the 2019 general election.
Q: What is the deadline for returning postal votes?
A: The deadline for returning postal votes is 10pm on election day.
Author: www.ft.com
Orginal Source link