Election Award for SABC

The following Press Release was issued on 21st March 2007.

Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council has been singled out as the only district council in the UK to be awarded Beacon Status for elections.

The award was announced last night in London and recognises the work done in the borough to improve the democratic process.  SABC has run a number of pilot schemes in past elections including early voting, on-line voting and using shopping units as polling stations.  The authority has shared its expertise with authorities from across Europe and continues to work with national bodies to develop new voting systems.

Speaking about the award, SABC Chief Executive Robin Hooper said:

"As Chief Executive and Returning Officer for elections, I am proud of the award that has been given to us.  It's important to underline the fact that this is a team effort.  I wish to record my thanks to every single person involved in whatever role they perform from voter, to election agent, to candidate, to colleague working on the election.  We also work closely with the electoral commission and central government.  I would also extend my thanks to the partner schools and colleges with whom we work to engage the young to understand the importance of democracy and how to get involved."

Leader of the Council, Peter Nutting added:

"The elections section at SABC have been brilliant at developing new ways of enabling people to vote and have been really innovative with electronic voting.  Congratulations to them all."

The forthcoming elections in the borough will also include pilot schemes with the additional option of phone voting and internet voting.

For more information on this subject, please contact:

Robin Hooper, Chief Executive and Returning Officer

Tel. 01743 281010;  E-mail:  robin.hooper@shrewsbury.gov.uk

Media contact:

Jon King, Events and Media Officer

Tel. 01743 281016;  E-mail:  jon.king@shrewsbury.gov.uk