Damaged Ballot Paper at Rutland County Council Postal Vote Openings Lack of circulation and a clear view.
Dear Mrs Briggs
Since observing the opening of the postal votes I have
witnessed damaged ballot papers caused by staff when
they are opening voting packs.
Yesterday three ballot papers were torn on the left hand
top corner. The supervisor permitted a repair with adhesive
tape because. the tears were not detached.
Another time this week a large purple parish ballot paper
was torn partially down the middle when removed
from the voting pack this was also repaired with
adhesive tape a salmon ballot paper was cut in two
by a member of staff using a metal opener
instead of opening by pulling and removing the perforated
seal.
I would also like to point out the following government
rules.
because I and others have told you we can not see clearly
all processes in the room, due to the your lay
out and use of ropes at the front of the room
these prevents Circulation and a clear view
to the back of the room.
I found these two paragraphs which conflicts with the
advice you have given us.
The layout of the count venue – this should allow easy viewing by all of those entitled to be present.
You must, as a requirement to meet performance standard 2, ensure that that the verification and count processes are carried out in clear view of all those entitled to attend.
Circulation areas and the amount of space available around the count area – this space should be maximised, and any obstructions, such as stored furniture, should be removed.
From
Martin Brookes
Dear Mrs Briggs
Since observing the opening of the postal votes I have
witnessed damaged ballot papers caused by staff when
they are opening voting packs.
Yesterday three ballot papers were torn on the left hand
top corner. The supervisor permitted a repair with adhesive
tape because. the tears were not detached.
Another time this week a large purple parish ballot paper
was torn partially down the middle when removed
from the voting pack this was also repaired with
adhesive tape a salmon ballot paper was cut in two
by a member of staff using a metal opener
instead of opening by pulling and removing the perforated
seal.
I would also like to point out the following government
rules.
because I and others have told you we can not see clearly
all processes in the room, due to the your lay
out and use of ropes at the front of the room
these prevents Circulation and a clear view
to the back of the room.
I found these two paragraphs which conflicts with the
advice you have given us.
The layout of the count venue – this should allow easy viewing by all of those entitled to be present.
You must, as a requirement to meet performance standard 2, ensure that that the verification and count processes are carried out in clear view of all those entitled to attend.
Circulation areas and the amount of space available around the count area – this space should be maximised, and any obstructions, such as stored furniture, should be removed.
From
Martin Brookes
