Elections in Tower Hamlets

What measures are in place to ensure the election runs fairly and smoothly?

Electoral malpractice is taken extremely seriously in Tower Hamlets. In addition to the standard checks at elections, the Acting Returning Officer for Tower Hamlets has taken extra steps to ensure the elections are free, fair and transparent.

Working collaboratively

The Acting Returning Officer works closely with the council, the Electoral Commission and the Metropolitan Police’s Special Enquiries Team to ensure that the planning and the running of the election is to the highest standard.

Reporting concerns

Tower Hamlets has a dedicated webportal where residents can report concerns they have of suspected electoral malpractice. All information reported is taken very seriously. After an initial assessment, reports may be passed onto the police to investigate.

Managing the election

Agent conduct

Candidates are provided with additional guidance and briefings to ensure that they, their agents and those working on their campaigns are aware of their responsibilities.

Your Vote is Your Own

The Acting Returning Officer and the council work closely with the Electoral Commission to share their message to voters that ‘Your Vote is Yours Alone.’

Enforcement

The Metropolitan Police will have a presence at every polling place across the borough on polling day and at the count.

Polling places

Polling places will have an exclusion zone directly outside in which no campaigning can take place.

Guidance for all

Signage will be translated to ensure that voters are aware of the election rules relating to the secrecy of the vote in the polling stations.

Privacy for voters

Voting booths are also equipped with privacy barriers to assist with the secrecy of the ballot.

Vigilant staff

Staff are trained to ensure no undue pressure or influence is placed on any voter when casting their vote.

Voter ID

Voters are legally required to show approved photographic ID at a polling station to verify their identity before voting.

After the polls close

Following the close of poll and the beginning of the verification and the count, the secured ballot boxes are kept under constant supervision throughout.

Access to the count

Admission to the election counts will be subject to strict security measures on entry, which includes a named ticket with the attendee’s full address and their photograph, which will be checked on arrival at the venue.