Dear Electoral Observers,
Thank you for undertaking the important role of observing the conduct of the electoral process across Manchester’s polling stations. We value the contribution that accredited observers make in supporting transparency and public confidence in our elections.
To ensure that election day runs smoothly and that any issues are addressed promptly and appropriately, we ask that all observers adhere to the following expectations when visiting polling stations within Manchester:
- Introduce Yourself on Arrival Upon entering a polling station, observers must make themselves known to the Presiding Officer immediately. This helps ensure that staff are aware of your presence and can support you in carrying out your duties appropriately and in accordance with electoral law and guidance.
- Raise Any Concerns in Real Time Should you identify any issue or area of concern during your visit, please bring it directly to the attention of the Presiding Officer as soon as it arises. Addressing matters promptly allows us to maintain the integrity of the process and reduce the likelihood of issues escalating.
- Immediate Action and Reporting Presiding Officers have been instructed to take appropriate action to resolve issues on the spot wherever possible. In addition, they will immediately report the matter to Manchester’s Command and Control Hub, ensuring that Senior Elections staff and the Returning Officer are made aware without delay. All issues raised will also be recorded in the polling station’s issues log as part of our audit and assurance processes.
We appreciate your cooperation in following these procedures and thank you once again for your commitment to ensuring a well-run and transparent election.
If you have any questions ahead of polling day, please do not hesitate to contact the Electoral Services Team - ESU@manchester.gov.uk
Yours sincerely,
Tom Stannard
Returning Officer Manchester City Council
You can find out more about how to apply to be an Electoral Observer from the Electoral Commission website Observing elections and referendums | Electoral Commission.
Including the Electoral Commission Code of Conduct for observers