Electoral service undergoes online
overhaul
Voters across Bromsgrove District and Redditch Borough have
some new tools at their fingertips as their councils’ Electoral
service undergoes an online overhaul.
The Shared Electoral services function for
Bromsgrove and Redditch at http://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/
has been redesigned and now includes interactive
tools explaining how to register and vote including
downloads of all the necessary forms and all election
results. In addition, games based on balancing budgets and
campaigning for election are available to try to get people engaged
with local government and the democratic process.
A single team of experienced electoral
administrators now provide the specialist service for the separate
electoral areas of Redditch Borough and Bromsgrove District.
Electoral boundaries and the electoral process itself remain
unchanged and absolutely confidential. Residents from
Bromsgrove and Redditch will continue to receive high levels of
service and professionalism – the only change is that it has got
better!
The only personal information that is allowed
to be held is prescribed by the legislative framework that governs
electoral services, and it is the minimum that is required to take
voters through an election – and this continues to be held in a
safe and secure environment. You are actually giving much
more information to your supermarket if you use a points card for
your weekly shopping!
Bromsgrove District Council Head of Legal,
Equalities and Democratic Services Claire Felton, who manages the
Shared Elections Service said: “With a general election due
next year it’s important that people feel inspired to get on
the electoral register and use their vote. The electoral register
does not record how you vote - it just makes
sure you are able to vote, to help shape the area
where you live.
“As one of the first services to be
shared between the two councils the new Electoral service team is
now stronger than ever. Recognising the current challenges that are
faced in both the public and private sector we have been able to
work together with a neighbouring Council to deliver a more cost
effective and efficient service to residents – click on our website
to find out more.”