AN admin blunder is set to add an extra £500 towards the cost of running an election for a seat on Woolston Parish Council next month.
The Parish by-election is for the election of two Councillors to Woolston Parish Council and is scheduled to take place on Thursday 7 April 2022.
The polling card letter stated that those who were unable to vote in person could vote using a postal vote or by proxy by post.
It stated completed applications must reach the council before 5 pm on Wednesday 23 April 2022 or apply to vote by proxy by completing applications before 5pm on Wednesday 30 April 2022 – both dates after the election!
Local resident Jim Hunter said: “I received my Polling Card for the Woolston Parish Council election on Thursday 7 April 2022.
“On viewing the back of the form there are alternatives available in the event that you are unable to attend.
“Unfortunately, the dates for the alternatives do not exist and, in any case, would be illegal as they are after the election date.
“The alternative dates in the document are Wednesday 23 April and Wednesday 30 April, neither of which exists. They should obviously read March, and how such a glaring and fundamental error can possibly be sent out to the constituents proves once again the levels of incompetence within Warrington Borough Council.
“We pay our council tax to be led by a council that is unable to even get simple dates correct. Allowing votes after the date of the election would surely amount to electoral fraud!”
A Warrington Borough Council spokesperson said: “The incorrect date on the poll card letters was made in error. The election will still go ahead as planned, and we are reissuing poll cards from today, alongside emailing residents directly where we have email addresses.”
The cost to remedy is expected to be in the region of £500.
