New postal ballot forms sent out after mistake

Postal ballot papers for the Loughborough Shelthorpe by-election on January 20 are being re-issued due to an error with the forms already sent out.

Charnwood Borough Council is advising people in the Shelthorpe area who have received a postal vote that a new form will be sent to them by Friday, January 14.

The error involved a candidate’s name being missed from the ballot paper. The printing company has apologised for the omission and is investigating what happened.

Rob Mitchell, Returning Officer, said: “Unfortunately, there has been an error with the postal ballot paper and therefore they have to be sent out again.

“The printing company is posting the new forms to people who should receive them by Friday, January 14 which gives them time to return them to us. We will be discussing with the printing company how the error occurred and no extra cost will be incurred by the council.

“We would like to apologise for the error on behalf of the printing company and can assure residents that our election processes are robust and will ensure a fair and transparent election.”

Around 1,100 postal ballot papers have been sent to voters in Shelthorpe.

The new forms will be printed on yellow paper to make it easier to distinguish from the incorrect postal ballot papers, which are white.

The council is contacting anyone who has already voted by post in the by-election and is asking them to vote again.

The council has informed the Electoral Commission of the issue which is satisfied with the action being taken. All candidates and agents have also been informed.

If residents have any concerns, they can contact the Elections Team on 01509 634546 or email electoral. services@charnwood.gov.uk

▪ Voters will take to the polls on Thursday, January 20 for the Loughborough Shelthorpe by-election.

The ward has two Charnwood Borough Council seats and both are currently vacant.

Polling stations are open between 7am and 10pm and voters are required to wear a face covering (unless exempt) when inside, and observe social distancing.

Polling station staff will also be wearing face coverings and hand sanitiser will be available.

The polling stations are at:

▪ The Arc Community Hub, 22 Knox Road, Loughborough, LE11 2UP

▪ Good Shepherd Church Hall, Park Road, Loughborough, LE11 2HJ

▪ Youth Centre, Beacon Academy, Woodthorpe Road, Loughborough, LE11 2NF

You must vote at the polling station on your poll card.

If you have not received your postal ballot paper by Friday, January 14 please contact the elections team on 01509 634546 or email electoral. services@ charnwood. gov.uk.

For more information visit www. charnwood. gov. uk/ shelthorpe_by_election.

Votes will be counted on the night at the council offices and the results published on the council website and social media accounts. Follow @ CharnwoodBC on Twitter or look for Charnwood Borough Council on Facebook.