Issue - meetings

As detailed in the recommendations.

Councillor Mullin introduced the report and explained that The Elections Act 2022 made a number of changes to the elections process at UK Parliamentary and Police and Crime Commissioner elections. This did not apply to Flintshire County Council, Town and Community or Senedd elections.

Some of the changes included the requirement that voters produce an approved form of photo ID at the polling station, changes to absent voting rules, EU citizens' voting rights and 'votes for life' for overseas electors.

The report provided an update on the voter identification (ID) process and support provided to voters who did not have an acceptable form of photo ID. It also

outlined work undertaken to promote Voter ID and planned communications ahead

of the Police and Crime Commissioner elections scheduled for Thursday 2nd May 2024.

            A discussion took place on the forms of ID that would be acceptable and the Chief Officer (Governance) said there were many, all of which were listed on the Council’s website.  He also said that people could apply for a postal vote or nominate a proxy voter on their behalf.

            In response to a question from Councillor Bithell on informing residents, the Chief Officer explained that every household in Flintshire had been written to with the details, press releases had been issued and would continue to do so on the run up to elections.

            Councillor Bibby asked what training would be provided to those staff working at the polling station.  The Chief Officer explained that training to all polling station staff was provided before every election and it would be covered within that.  The Council also liaised closely with North Wales Police throughout any election period.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the update on Voter ID be noted;

(b)       That the work undertaken and planned communications to promote Voter ID be supported.