Date published: 2023-05-11 | Category: Elections
Changes in national legislation meant that for the first time, voters were required to show an approved form of photo ID before being given their ballot paper at the polling station.
Although 141 electors initially arrived without the correct photo ID or with no photo ID at all, 85 later returned with acceptable ID and were issued a ballot paper. This means that by close of poll 56 electors who had tried to vote in a polling station, were not given a ballot paper because they did not meet the new voter ID requirements.
Across Bath and North East Somerset 112,492 people were eligible to vote in person at the polling stations and 34,841 votes were cast.
The overall voter turnout at the local election was 38.95% compared to 40.76% in the 2019 local elections.
In the run up to the election, the council ran a campaign to promote the new requirement for photo ID with adverts appearing on buses, in local publications and on local radio. We also worked with local organisations including RNIB, Age UK BANES, Julian House, Southside and Curo to raise awareness of voter ID.
A voter ID leaflet was also included with this year’s council tax bills and with the poll cards issued to voters due to vote in person at the polling station.
Will Godfrey, Returning Officer for Bath & North East Somerset Council said: “The council provided information through our own channels and ran an extensive campaign to let residents know about the new photo ID requirements and we are grateful to all the local organisations who helped us to get the message out. Thank you to everyone who helped at the polling stations on the day and helped everything to run smoothly.”
The full results of the elections can be found here. In addition, detailed verification figures for each ward, which includes information about voter turnout, including data about postal and in-person turnout, are also now available on the council website.
The election for Paulton ward, which was rearranged following the death of a candidate, will take place on Thursday 22 June. New poll cards will be sent to voters in Paulton, including information about how to arrange a postal or proxy vote if they cannot make it to the polling station on the new date.
Any new candidates wishing to stand at the re-scheduled election can email elections@bathnes.gov.uk to request a nomination pack. All other previous candidates remain validly nominated and will be included on the ballot paper. Candidate nominations must be delivered to the Returning Officer no later than 4pm on Thursday 25 May.
ENDS