Democracy and Elections
Electoral Services
Electoral services ensures that the democratic processes for the authority is managed in accordance with the law. This means:
- Maintaining the Electoral Register
- Running elections e.g. Mayoral, Council, GLA and European elections
- Pro-active encouragement to join the democratic process e.g. school packs for teacher support and holding a democracy week
An annual canvass is conducted between September and 1 December. We are required to do this every year. Canvass forms are sent out to 100,000 postal addresses containing details of around 142,000 electors. Reminders are then sent after which 100 canvassers visit those that have not returned their forms. The turnover in Hackney residents is high. In two wards, over a quarter of the electors moved in or moved away.
At election time, staff are employed to staff polling stations, conduct the count and help with the administration of the election.
Elections
The Chief Executive plays a leading role in all elections held within Hackney. Although tradition would dictate that the post would carry the title of Returning Officer it is by no means compulsory, and the post-holder has the option of transferring or delegating those responsibilities to another senior council officer.
The principal duties of the Returning Officer are:
- Responsible for the conduct of all elections/referendums held in Hackney ensuring that everything is done in accordance with election and other relevant laws
- Responsible for checking and signing off valid nominations received from candidates
- Announcing election results after the count, declaring/returning the successful candidate(s)
- The final decision maker on all controversial areas/issues raised by election agents/candidates
- The R.O. may delegate some duties, where necessary appointing deputies to assist them. These can have full powers or limited powers
Electoral registration
The Chief Executive will be appointed as the Electoral Registration Officer by the Council.
The principal duties of the Electoral Registration Officer are:
- A duty to prepare and publish the Register of Electors each year. (we are committed to increasing elector registration levels in the borough. The electorate currently stands at around 142,000
- To provide polling districts and places for the sitting of polling stations
Current issues / events
- Ongoing council commitment to increase postal voters.
(We have one of the highest proportion of postal voters in London – approx 26,000) - Commitment to engage greater involvement with the democratic process and increase turnout at elections
The key contact is Michael Summerville, tel 0208 356 2436 and email michael.summerville@hackney.gov.uk
Page updated: 17 Mar 2008