City Council to hold same night vote count for general election
Worcester City Council today confirmed that it will stay with tradition and start counting votes at the Guildhall on the night of this year’s general election.
Local candidates from across the political spectrum have made it clear they support the current practice of a same night count.
However, SOLACE elections chief David Monks and some councils across the UK have expressed concern, arguing that if the general election is held on the same day as local elections, those counting could become jaded as the night goes on, while postal voting and checks to counter fraud could add to pressures.
John Scarborough, Head of Governance & Corporate Support and Returning Officer at Worcester City Council, made his final decision after discussing the matter with Returning Officers from across the UK at the SOLACE Elections Conference in February.
“I have listened carefully to the views of local candidates, my Elections team and other Returning Officers.” he said. “My key priority is to ensure the vote count is accurate and I am confident that we will have the experience and resources to start counting votes on general election night.”
