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.”