Response 1806009

Response to request for information

Reference

1806009

Response date

29 June 2023

Request

Colleagues and I are trying to compile a study of the extent and effect of postal voting. We hoped that the department might be able to provide the figures in each of these categories for all wards in May 2023.

• - the eligible electorate
• - the total number of ballot papers issued
• - the number of postal votes sent out
• - the number of postal votes received back
• - the number of postal votes included in the final count

Response

I refer to your request for information received on 21 June 2023 and would advise you that the registration of electors is governed by the Representation of the People Act 1983 as amended. Under Section 8 of the Act, the council must appoint an officer of the council to be the registration officer for any constituency or part of a constituency coterminous with or situated in the council’s area. Katherine Marriott (Chief Executive) is the appointed officer for the registration area of the District of Rushcliffe. Her appointment as Electoral Registration Officer is separate to her appointment as Chief Executive and, although appointed by the council, the Electoral Registration Officer’s responsibilities and duties are personal. An example of this is that the register of electors is deemed to be the property of the Electoral Registration Officer, not the local authority.

The Electoral Registration Officer does not carry out the duties on behalf of the local authority but in her own personal capacity. A list of public bodies and local authorities that are subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act is available.

As you will see, the Freedom of Information Act does not list any person appointed under the Representation of the People Act 1983. It follows that the Electoral Registration Officer, Returning Officer or any other person appointed under the Act are not subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act.

Notwithstanding that there is no statutory obligation to provide this information, the Electoral Services Section have considered your request and attached is the statistical information you requested.