Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Chief Executive, (copy enclosed).

The Council considered the report of the Chief Executive seeking Members’ consideration of the outcome of a recent review of all polling districts and polling places within the district and to confirm the designation of polling districts and polling places in the Maldon District. It was noted that this review was compulsory for all Local Authorities in the United Kingdom.

The report set out the timings for compulsory reviews in accordance with the Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013. The purpose of a review to was ensure that all electors had reasonable facilities for voting and that these were accessible to all electors, including those who were disabled. The report detailed the consultation process undertaken and Appendix 1 set out comments from the Acting Returning Officer based on feedback from electors, members and staff from all elections since 2023.

In her presentation of the report the Lead Elections and Democratic Services Manager outlined the principles underlying the proposals and advised that there were no proposed changes to either polling districts or polling places.

Councillor A S Fluker referred to an error with the polling notices for Southminster in the last election and asked that for future elections the polling station was shown as Community Hall 1, King George V Playing Field and the situation was monitored with the Clerk at Southminster Parish Council, with regards to availability. In response the Officer advised this was duly noted.

The Chairperson moved the recommendations set out in the report. These were duly seconded and agreed.

RESOLVED

(i)             that no changes are made to the Polling Districts or Polling Places as outlined in Appendix 1 to the report;

(ii)            that where the current Polling District, Polling Place or Polling Station is considered or becomes unsuitable, Officers will provide provisional alternative options to Members for consideration. Members are to note, that these will need to be fully assessed for suitability by Officers prior to any changes being made;

(iii)           that Members confirm and approve the Polling Districts and Polling Places as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report.