PRESSURE is mounting on Harrogate Council’s chief executive to change the date of the general election count, after criticism from residents and candidates.
They say the decision to announce the result the day after voting will undermine democrac
y and rob election night of its traditional drama.
Vote-counting is set to start around eight-and-a-half hours later than usual, according to council chief executive Wallace Sampson, the returning officer for the district.
Voter Eric Hamer, from Aspin Oval, Knaresborough, said he was “amazed and disappointed” by the decision, adding that it would erode interest in national and local politics.
“For many years now there has been an ongoing discussion nationwide on how we can encourage more people to be interested in politics and actually get them to vote,” he said.
“The one time in the lifetime of Parliament that people show an interest is being taken away.”
Andrew Walker, from Swarcliffe Road, Harrogate, echoed his concerns, asking: “Is this town and surrounding district just going to take it lying down and rolling over to the whim of an unelected council official? “
The candidates from the three main parties are all backing an election night count.
Claire Kelley, prospective parliamentary candidate (PPC) for the Liberal Democrats, said: “Most people I have spoken to want it to be on the night. It always has been and I haven’t seen any information about why it should delayed until Friday. ”
Coun Andrew Jones, the Conservative PPC, said he was also opposed to Mr Sampson’s decision.
“I would much prefer it to be on the Thursday night,” he said.
“Firstly it will provide clarity: this is part of a national question and clarity in who will form a government is required as soon as possible.
“Secondly, it will retain the drama of election night - drama that really engages people.”
Kevin McNerney, the Labour candidate, told the Post the date of the election count was one issue where there was consensus among the candidates.
“Unless there’s a very, very clear cost-saving, I think we should keep to the tradition of counting on the night,” he added.
Yesterday, Mr Sampson confirmed there had been no consultation on the matter, but defended his decision, saying: “It is a responsibility I have and a decision I have to take.
“The important thing for me is not to ensure that I take the count as quickly as possible, but to make sure I’m in a position to undertake the count as accurately as possible.”
He said it was important to have experienced staff administering the election, and that they should not be forced to work through the night counting votes after manning polling stations from 7am to 10pm, in case mistakes were made.
Mr Sampson told the Post that extended voting hours and the opportunity for residents to deliver postal ballots to stations made an election night count less practical than in 2005.
