Difficulties experienced with the delivery of postal votes at this Election.
There have been many difficulties experienced with the delivery of postal votes at this Election.
Postal voting is now a major element of every Election with over 25% of the electorate choosing to vote in this way. For this to be a viable option Returning Officers must rely on print suppliers and a predictable and reliable service from Royal Mail.
There have been and remain issues with both suppliers and with Royal Mail across Scotland which the electoral community are dealing with as best we can. It should be noted that the legal and logistical timetable for this Election is very tight, exacerbated in Scotland by the holiday period commencing in many areas at the end of this week.
The EMB believes that there is a need for a major review of capacity and systems after the Election. That view is shared across the electoral community. We are very much aware that some electors remain without a postal ballot at this point and we are working with Returning Officers, suppliers and Royal Mail to expedite delivery as quickly as possible.
Lost of undeliverd postal votes can be replaced by the Returning Officer from 28 June. That is the first legal point at which a replacement can be made.
Voters can attend Scottish Bourders Council HQ, Newtown St Boswells with proof of identification for a pack to be reissued.