SOLACE, the UK’s senior management organisation for local government, is calling for fundamental reform of the entire electoral system following polling night difficulties in some constituencies last Thursday.

 

After many years of pressure from SOLACE and the Electoral Commission on government and political parties, SOLACE is calling for immediate action and a fundamental rethink.

 

“We have said for many years that this way of voting is flawed and is in danger of abuse,” said David Clark, SOLACE Director General. “ Yes there were problems at the general election and those will be investigated and sorted out. The priority is to rebuild and radically reform this antique system. With the possibility of a further general election in the not too distant future now is the time to change.”

 

Ministers and political parties have repeatedly refused to rethink the system.  The organisation is now calling for a review and investigation of the following:

 

·         The days and times that people vote

·         Individuals being able to vote at all polling stations within the same constituency

·         An e-voting system

·         An electronic register

·         Tightening postal voting and registration

·         Establishing a professional standard for Returning Officers

 

“It may be that these issues did not, individually, cause the difficulties last Thursday but it is now clear that all are worthy of proper investigation,” added Clark.

 

The Society will also be establishing the facts of what happened in areas where people had difficulties voting; speaking, next week, to the Electoral Commission that oversees the voting system and promotes the electoral register;  seeking an early meeting with the incoming Government to discuss reform; continue to provide training and promote good practice for Returning Officers.

 

David Monks, who heads the SOLACE Election Panel and who spoke out strongly against the flawed system under which Returning Officers had to operate last Thursday said, “We shouldn’t make excuses, some mistakes were made on election day.  But given the state of the system – despite all our warnings -  and the millions of people who did want to vote we can say that the professionalism of Returning Officers saved our democracy from an even more severe beating.”

 

Ends

 

Press contact:  Graham Taylor, Head of Communications, 07958 932728