Each observation was conducted in pairs to allow for objective observation and they then agreed their opinions of the electoral process before submitting data to the central team. The survey was conducted online so data was collected, and could be checked, live.
The observations generally took between thirty and forty five minutes per polling station as the observers were asked to ensure that they attempted to see the entire process, which included staff greeting electors on arrival at the polling station
Each team of observers was contacted throughout the day by the central team to ensure that observation was as uniform as possible.
The organisation of polling stations was generally very well run across the council area, voters could clearly see how to access voting and staff were trained to manage the process.
INTERIM CONCLUSIONS
This was an extremely well-run election. Access to voting was clear and despite the nature of the weather, throughout polling day, officials dealt well with the process. Staff had clearly been prepared for the possibility of observation teams, this was generally recorded successfully.
As with a number of recent elections that Democracy Volunteers have observed we continue to be concerned about the levels of ‘family voting’ at polling stations.
Although, as we have said, staff ran very efficient polling operations across the vast majority of the constituency, they invariably do not intercede when voters stand together in the polling booths or discuss whom they intend to vote for.
Our observer team saw ‘family voting’ in 28% of the polling stations attended which, bearing in mind the team records all the voters who attend polling stations, means that 7% of all the voters who attended polling stations were involved in this practice.
We would recommend that officers, and the presiding officers, take time to be aware of this and intercede when they see this. Evidence, as provided by the OSCE/ODIHR, suggests that this practice most affects women voters as the secrecy of their ballot is restricted.
On the 100th anniversary of the first enfranchisement of women it is unfortunate that women voters do not always have the right to vote in secrecy, from their spouse or other family member.