Poll cards reissued in by-election blunder (From Oxford Mail)

Poll cards reissued in by-election blunder

9:30am Tuesday 12th October 2010 in News

AN ADMINISTRATIVE error has forced Oxford City Council to cancel and reissue hundreds of postal votes for a forthcoming by-election.

The authority will even visit affected voters in person this week to ensure everyone can vote on October 21 in the Barton and Sandhills election.

About 400 packs were delivered to those who had requested them last week before it was discovered some contained incorrect personal details.

They were told at first to correct the details and return the postal vote, but have now cancelled all the postal votes and reissued new ballot papers, along with an apology.

Head of legal services, Jeremy Thomas, said: “The error was an administrative one, which is my personal responsibility.

“In addition to writing to each elector last week I have made arrangements for home visits to be made during the course of this week to every individual affected as we are determined that the administrative error will not cause any elector to miss out on their opportunity to vote.”

Stephen Brown, Liberal Democrat leader, said: “It is an almighty cock-up.

“My fear is clearly it could affect the outcome of the election but more pertinently it is another problem where voters will lose confidence in the city council’s ability to organise an election.”

Gavin Baylis (Lib Dem), Siddo Deva (Conservative), Julia Gasper (Ukip) , Mick McAndrews (Independent), Mike Rowley (Labour) and Mary-Jane Sareva (Green) are contesting the by-election.

If you are concerned about your ability to vote in the by-election call 01865 249811.

• A total of 657 postal ballots were sent out late for May’s General Election, sparking fears some voters would be left without a vote.