Sedgemoor District Council is writing to postal voters in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge to clarify ‘confusing’ wording on voting papers.
One Burnham resident, who received his voting papers last week, told Burnham-On-Sea.com that he’s one of many residents left confused by the number of councillors that electors can vote for in May’s local elections.
He explains: “The instructions on the voting papers state ‘vote once only by putting a cross in the box next to your choice.’ It does not say votes, boxes or choices. However, on the voting slips it says you can vote for ‘no more than 6’ for town council and ‘no more than 3’ for district. Which is it?”
Responding to the concerns, Sedgemoor District Council spokeswoman Claire Faun told Burnham-On-Sea.com this week: “Postal votes for the District and Parish Elections were sent first class last week. We have since received a number of telephone calls requiring clarification around the number of candidates that a person can vote for in wards or parishes where there is more than one vacancy.”
“The wording of point 3 on the reverse of the statement suggests that electors can only vote for one candidate. In some wards or parishes this may be misleading, so for absolute clarity we are asking electors to please follow the instructions on the top of the ballot paper/s they have received. All postal voters will be receiving a letter for additional clarity.”
Voters will go to the polls on Thursday May 2nd to elect their new town and district councillors who will represent them and make decisions on their behalf for the next four years.
The postal voting slips state that you can vote for ‘no more than 6 candidates’ for the town council in Burnham North and ‘no more than 3’ for district.
That is despite the wording at point 3 on the reverse of the statement suggesting electors can only vote for one candidate.
Responding to the confusion, Sedgemoor’s returning officer Allison Griffin has written to postal voters in the district to explain the position, as pictured above.
See the full list of Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge’s election candidates standing this year.
