The polling station at the Swiftway Centre is not going to be available on 2nd May. Instead voters will have to make their way to The Pavilion on the Coventry Road Recreation Ground. Harborough DC did not realise that the building was not in a fit state to use until they came to deliver the ballot boxes for storage.
Obviously this could affect voting; particularly for the less mobile.
HDC are reissuing polling cards, and there will be extensive information on the day redirecting voters. This, however, is not good enough and we are to press them to provide transport; something that they suggested that we should do. If you live in the area and need help, let us know, or, if you are in a position to assist someone else we would be very grateful.
We can win this, but it will be close and every vote will be crucial. Please help us get the vote out and send this government a message that crushing the poorest whilst giving an easy ride to the most wealthy is not acceptable.
This is bad news but hopefully with concerted pressure from us the Council will do the decent thing and ensure the electorate is informed of this change with new poll cards sent out in good time and the provision of transport to the Pavilion.
ReplyDeleteIt should not be left to the political parties to ensure people are able to vote!
It is disgraceful that Harborough District Council have been so inefficent. This situation will lead to a lower turnout in the ward as people will be confused and disinclined to use a different station. Local authorities should be doing all they can to encourage people to use their vote and the very least they could do is to check polling stations in time to be sure they are fit for purpose. I only hope they will be planning properly for 2015.
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