http://www.neilherron.blogspot.com
Quote:
Always one to leave things to the last minute (to check the efficiency of others) I went to cast my referendum vote at 5.45pm tonight at one of the 'Assistance and Delivery Points.' The one I went to was at Sunderland Civic Centre.
Postal Ballots...no problem.
I entered the foyer, Ballot Paper envelope in hand.
No-one at reception. No immediate signs of an ADP.
A council official walked past with four ballot papers in his hand.
"Just give it to me, mate," he said.
"Where's the Ballot Box?" I said.
"It's locked away," he replied.
"I don't believe you just said that. I find this very bizarre..." and at this point another official was walking past and appeared to recognise me and the situation that was developing. Secret ballot? Free and fair referendum with council officials walking around with Ballot Papers in their hands?
" I'll just get the Ballot Box. It's locked away behind reception." And with that he vaulted over and lifted the Box over for me to place my Ballot envelope in. It wouldn't fit, as the hole was too small! The envelope had to be folded and forced in. I expressed concern that it was locked away and that an official had been walking around with other Ballot envelopes. He did not attempt to put them in the Box, but merely stated that the people who had handed them to him were in a rush.
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Good to see that the whole matter has been handled with the utmost professionalism.