Review promises elections shake-up

A MAJOR review of polling districts and places in Warrington has been completed in the wake of criticism of the organisation of last year’s elections.
It will result in the number of mobile polling places being slashed from 13 to three and the number of districts without polling places from 22 to 14.
But the number of schools used for polling will increase from 17 to 30 – which will not please some headteachers.
The review was recommended by John Turner, chief executive of the Association of Electoral Administrators, who carried out a five month investigation into the conduct of the May elections.
He had also recommended that wherever possible the use of mobile units should be avoided.
Leader of the council Ian Marks said the review had been carried out in accordance with Electoral Commission guidelines.
It had been seen by Mr Turner, who had been “very complimentary” about it.
Coun Marks said there had been month long initial consultation on the changes proposed involving residents, borough, town and parish councillors, MPs, MEPs, previous candidates and agents and the Returning Officer.
Representations had, in the main, come from politicians and political parties.
He said practicalities such as the geography of the borough, availability of suitable buildings had influenced the recommendations of the review.
It had not always been possible to have a polling place and station in every polling district, however.
“I am very pleased however to note that the report has recommended the reduction of mobile units from 13 to three and polling stations outside of polling districts have reduced from 22 to 14.”
The review had provided the opportunity for officers to plan for the future and highlight issues that need to be borne in mind for the next review, particularly those related to likely population changes and the need to identify future planned buildings as potential polling stations.