Issue - meetings

The Head of Electoral Services will provide an update on the recent Election Bill changes and the introduction of voter ID

The Head of Electoral Services advised of the recent changes arising from the Election Bill and summarised the implications for the local elections in May 2023.

The three changes to be made in advance of the election related to mandatory voter identification, accessibility and the number of subscribers for candidates.  There were no changes to postal votes and the verification process remained the same.

Electors would have to show an approved form of photo identification before voting. This could be either a driving licence, passport or immigration document.  There were a number of documents that could be used as voter identification and more information was available from the Elections Office.  If electors could not provide one of the required forms of identification as set out in legislation, they would be able to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate from their Elections Returning Officer by 25 April 2023 for the elections in May 2023.

The process for managing voter identification at polling stations was summarised and it was noted that the final details were still to be refined.   It was also explained that poll cards would now be in the form of a letter in a buff envelope due to the level of detail required.   

There was a national campaign to publicise the introduction of voter identification together with information on the Borough Council website and social media channels. 

Reference was also made to the legal obligation to take reasonable steps to support voters with disabilities and to facilitate access to polling stations for wheelchair users.  A polling station review had been undertaken and the Returning Officers were confident that Tonbridge and Malling met this obligation.

There had also been a significant change in the number of subscribers required when seeking nomination for a parish council election and local elections.  To encourage more people to stand individuals only required a proposer and a seconder.

Finally, Members were reminded that following the local election the Borough Council would have a reduced number of elected Members (down to 44 from 54).  The Notice of Election would be published on 13 March 2023 and the nominations period would run from 14 March to 4 April 2023.   A briefing session for potential candidates and agents was arranged for 1 March 2023.