Voters could be left confused as rules stop staff explaining AV

“RESTRICTIVE” rules on polling day could leave voters confused.

Arun District Council’s chief executive, Ian Sumnall, has raised “serious concerns”, after polling station staff were told they cannot give information on the alternative voting (AV) system to residents turning out to have their say during the national referendum, on Thursday (May 5).

Instead, they must be referred to a national telephone number, a website or an information booklet, which is not allowed to be available on polling stations.

An Arun spokeswoman said the booklet should have been delivered to every household, but many residents had yet to receive it, and while the council had asked the Electoral Commission for copies to put in its reception area, it was told a lack of resources meant that was not possible.

Mr Sumnall, who is returning and counting officer for referendum, as well as the district, town and parish elections, talking place on the same day, said the regulations had been laid down by due to worries over impartiality.

He said: “They are just too restrictive and will stop my staff from even referring voters to the commission’s own booklet when they arrive at the station, as copies are forbidden in the polling stations.

“My sole purpose in running an election is to ensure that everyone who wants to vote can vote and that all the polling staff are helpful, impartial and are there to assist members of the public.” He had personally challenged the restrictions, he added.

“I believe people could end up very confused when they are presented with the referendum ballot paper. My challenges fell on deaf ears, so I feel I have no choice now but to alert all our Arun voters as to the situation.

“Please look at all the information available, the booklet, web site, www.aboutmyvote.co.uk and TV advert, before visiting the polling station on Thursday, between 7am and 10pm because we cannot help you on the day.”