Investigation into Postal Ballot Delivery Issues
The government is currently conducting an “urgent” investigation into the reasons behind the delay in the distribution of postal ballots prior to the upcoming election on Thursday.
British Conservative minister Maria Caulfield revealed to Sky News that there have been reports of several constituencies where individuals have not yet received their postal votes.
There have been widespread complaints regarding the non-delivery of thousands of postal ballots on time. Postal affairs minister Kevin Hollinrake has urged Royal Mail to make every effort to ensure that postal votes reach the recipients promptly.
More than 90 constituencies, including those represented by Cabinet ministers, have raised concerns about the non-arrival of ballots, as reported by The Telegraph.
Ms. Caulfield stated during her interview with Sky News, “Kevin [Hollinrake] is treating this matter with utmost seriousness. He is in direct communication with Royal Mail.”
“Kevin is swiftly looking into this issue,” she added. “I am aware that additional resources are being allocated to conduct a thorough inspection of all sorting offices and ensure timely delivery.”
Challenges for Voters
Ms. Caulfield also advised individuals who will be present at home on polling day this Thursday, and have received their postal votes late, to personally submit them at their local polling station.
However, she pointed out that it is a matter of concern for those who are away, as the deadline for applying for a proxy vote, where a designated person can cast a vote on their behalf, has already passed.
Special concerns have been raised for voters in Scotland, where the schools closed for the summer holidays on Friday, leading many families to have already left the country.
Criticism and Call for Action
Senior SNP figure Stephen Flynn criticized the situation, referring to it as a “shambles,” and claimed that his party had cautioned the Conservatives against holding the election at this time, as a large number of families in Scotland would be on vacation.
He emphasized that the government had assured them they could vote by post, so the failure to receive the ballots on time is deemed “outrageous” and could impact the election results in closely contested seats.
Flynn attributed the blame to “Sunak’s doorstep” for the issue.
Pic: iStock
Increased Postal Votes and System Complexity
During the previous general election in 2019, 21% of individuals voted by post.
This figure is anticipated to have risen by 20%, with over 1.3 million applications for postal votes submitted between 22 May and 19 June, as per the Local Government Association.
A spokesperson noted, “This significant increase is adding pressure to an already intricate process and a strained system.”
“Local councils and election staff nationwide have been working diligently to ensure the smooth progression of the election and facilitate voting procedures,” the spokesperson added.
“While incidents of delays have been reported, there is a need for a review of the postal vote system and increased support for Royal Mail and printers to ensure readiness for future elections.”
The deadline for postal vote registration was on 19 June, with ballots typically arriving approximately a week before the polling day.
Postal votes must be received by 10 pm on the day of the election.
