Robust systems: Role of the Police; The count & results; Post Polling Day Logistics

& Procedures

John Turner

Chief Executive, AEA

Robust Systems

• Skills/knowledge of staff

• Planning processes

• Training

• Integrity of election

• Communications

• Involvement of all stakeholders

AEA 2

Role of the Police/CPS

• Role of ACPO – integrity of the overall process

• Force SPOCs

• Investigating agency for: Fraud including absent voting Electoral offences

• Polling day

• Security

• Role of Crown Prosecution serviceAEA 3

The Count overview

• When?• Venue:

Layout Security Media Observers

• Mini counts• Staffing/training• What could possibly go wrong?• Customer service

AEA 4

The Count stages

• Verification - the proper way!• Sorting & counting• Adjudication of doubtful ballot papers

does not bear official mark writing or mark by which voter can be identified unmarked or void for uncertainty voting for more candidates than entitled Otherwise – clear intention, try to give a valid vote

• Provisional Result• Recounts• Declaration

AEA 5

Compilation of results

• Types of elections UK Parliamentary European Parliamentary National Parliaments/Assemblies Local Elections

• Referendums

• New elections Police Commissioners

AEA 6

Adjudication of disputed counts

• At the count

• The British system

• Election petitions

• The process to be followed

• The hearing of the dispute

• Possible outcomes and sanctions

• Effect of criminal actions

AEA 7

Avoiding a petition (1)

• Proper planning

• Use project/risk management techniques

• Get the basics right

• Leave nothing to chance

• Check, check and check again

AEA 8

Avoiding a petition (2)

• Take care with outsourcing

• Ensure proper communications

• Watch the fault lines: Nominations Postal votes Polling day The Count

AEA 9

The Way Forward

• A first level complaints system

• Characteristics of the system Time limited Penalties for vexatious/frivolous complaints Proportionate and appropriate outcomes Appeals process Mechanism for referral to the Courts Suitable powers for the Court

• Establishment of lower level court

AEA 10

AEA Formal Recommendation

• “The UK Government should design and implement a clearer and local system of accountability and challenge through the introduction in election law of a formal complaints system. This should establish a court of first resort to deal with complaints arising from the conduct of elections.”

AEA 11

Other sources of information

• OSCE Resolving Election Disputes in the OSCE

Area: Towards a Standard ElectionDispute Monitoring System

• ACE Network http://www.aceproject.org/main/english/ei

• IFES - Election Disputes http://www.ifes.org/Content/Topics/Election-

Disputes.aspx

AEA 12

Questions?