Response 1811680

Response to request for information

Reference

1811680

Response date

19 July 2023

Request

1. How many people were turned away at polling stations in your local authority due to not bringing valid ID during the May 2023 local elections.
2. How many of those subsequently returned with valid ID (if this information is available).
3. The number of successfully submitted votes in the May 2023 election.
4. The total number of people registered to vote at the time of that election.

Response

I refer to your request for information received on 30 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, if the information is readily accessible it is provided below:

The answers to question 1 and 2 are contained in a press release on our website

3. 39928 ballot papers were issued to eligible voters
4. The electorate for the election was 91380