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UK Parliamentary General Election – 7 May 2015 Briefing of Candidates and Agents Linlithgow & East Falkirk and Livingston Constituencies West Lothian College, Pavilion B 28 April 2015 UK Parliamentary General Election Welcome and Introduction by Graham Hope, Returning Officer Purpose of Briefing • • • • Follow up to previous briefing Remaining timetable events Polling day issues – campaigning Count arrangements Timetable – Key Dates remaining Event Deadline/Time Opening of Postal Votes Daily, starting on 27 April Deadline for new applications for proxy appointments 28 April (5pm) Deadline for notification of appointment of polling and counting agents 29 April First day postal voters can apply for a replacement for a lost or not received postal pack 30 April Deadline for notification of appointment of sub-agents POLLING DAY Deadline for issue of replacements of spoilt or lost/not received postal votes Deadline for new applications to vote by proxy (medical, business or service emergency only) 5 May 7 May 7am to 10pm) 7 May (5pm) 7 May (5pm) The Count 7 May (10.00pm) Deadline for returns of candidates’ election expenditure 12 June Expiry of period for inspection of election documents 7 May 2016 Expiry of period for inspection of candidates’ returns of election expenditure 11 June 2017 Campaigning in/around polling places • Briefing note on campaigning, tellers and rosettes/badges • Definitions of “polling place” and “polling station” • Campaigning legitimate outside polling place • Voters free to cast vote unhindered • Role of tellers • Wearing of rosettes or badges • Security at polling places Campaign material on council property (1) • Different council policies West Lothian • Display of election material prohibited on council property • Do allow display of A-boards: - Permitted in the immediate vicinity of polling places - Letter to Head of Operational Services - One A-board per candidate - Must be removed at close of poll Falkirk • Display of election material prohibited on council property Campaign material on council property (2) • Enforcement – within any polling place and immediate vicinity – POs breach of council policy – Council contact (not RO) – For WLC – Graeme Malcolm (Roads) For FC – Development Services See campaign note for contact details • Count Overview • • • • • • • • • • Venue – Bathgate Sports Centre 10 counting agents for each candidate RO’s guest list Start time – close of poll (10pm) After 10pm, likely some vehicle congestion Passes required for access into building Photo ID at any time Security – as for polling places Café, TV and wi fi facilities Secrecy - no phones or electronic devices to be used near count tables • No phone calls in counting hall to avoid disturbance Count Stages (1) • Detailed briefing note (to follow) • Announcements • Role of agents – raise any concerns early – count liaison officers proactive • Verification report • Rolling count (at each table) • Identifying good votes – by enumerators/ supervisors at each table (tick/yes/figure 1) Count Stages (2) • Adjudication of doubtful papers – separate teams • Bundle checks at each stage • Recounts – at discretion of RO • Estimated declaration times – 3.30 to 4am • Short speeches by candidates • Winning candidates’ welcome pack Contact Details – Election Team • Tel. no: 01506 282035 • email: [email protected] • website: http://www.westlothian.gov.uk/Council_and_governmen t/pol_elec_democracy/elections_and_voting/ • Elections Office: Emergency Planning Room, 2nd Floor, West Lothian Civic Centre Further Information • Electoral Commission’s Guide to Candidates and Agents http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/candidate-oragent/uk-parliamentary-general-election-great-britain • Electoral Registration Offices – – Lothian – 0131 344 2500 - [email protected] – Central – 01786 892289 - [email protected] QUESTIONS? Feedback survey – please complete before you leave