A mistake that mattered
THE ballot box blunder rumbles on as South Tyneside Council admits its mistake. (Gazette, March 26).
It has taken since May last year for that mistake to be acknowledged publicly, and for the council to admit its responsibility.
When the rejected postal votes from the Beacon and Bents election were publicly challenged and verification sought, the council refused.
This was subsequently challenged in the High Court.
The council has said that while it was a serious mistake, it did not affect the result.
The challenge was a request from a candidate to view rejected ballot papers because of the closeness of the contest.
Electoral practice is to invite the candidates to view the rejected ballot papers prior to declaration and determine a consensus of agreement with all candidates.
It appears this was not done and the answer we shall never know.
An admission that a serious mistake had been made at the onset of the problem could have saved much anxiety.
The public awareness of the situation required an official apology.
It would not have taken place unless it had been agreed and rubberstamped by the worthies of the council who should hang their heads in shame.
Coun Jim Capstick,
Harton ward.
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Weather for South Shields
Friday 25 May 2012
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