6th May 2022
Solace statement on local elections 2022
The whole team at Solace would like to express our sincere gratitude for the hard work of Solace members and their colleagues up and down the country in ensuring the smooth and safe running of our local democracy in the latest round of elections.
Louise Round, Solace lead spokesperson for Elections and Democracy, has reflected on these achievements saying: “Returning Officers across the United Kingdom have once again done a brilliant job to successfully deliver the latest set of local elections, covering more than 4,350 seats across 140 English councils. Alongside their election teams, they have managed multiple polls across varying geographies with a range of different voting systems, whilst, as always, ensuring the safety of electors, candidates and staff. We are pleased and proud to share that polling day went smoothly in the vast majority of cases – a testament to the meticulous planning of Returning Officers and their teams over many months.
“This work never stops, and after the Elections Bill received Royal assent at the end of April, attention will very quickly turn to the practical implementation of the Act. Elections are already hugely administratively complicated to deliver, and with additional requirements such as voter ID coming into force in time for next year’s local elections, there is an increased level of risk management required for the smooth running of the programme. Despite the upcoming challenges, we remain confident that our Returning Officers will, once again, rise to the challenge.”
In order to ensure Returning Officers and their elections teams are best prepared for the implementation of the additional requirements, Solace will be holding a webinar on the Elections Act for our members on Thursday 3rd November. Solace will be in touch soon with more details and information on how to book your place.
In the meantime, Solace is continuing to engage with the Cabinet Office on its latest advice and security guidance that support the delivery of UK elections. If you have any contributions you wish Solace to feed into the Cabinet Office, please email the policy team at policy@solace.org.uk.