EA bulletin: England issue 396

Further to Bulletin 388 where we set out information about template canvass communication materials and other forms we produce, we wanted to remind you that the ITR and application to register templates we have published on our website are prescribed in law, and as such both the content and the layout must not be changed by EROs.

The new application to register form is longer than previous versions due to legislative changes and the resulting additional information that we are now required to include. The application that accompanies the ITR must be in the format as designed by the Electoral Commission under regulation 26(3) Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001.

There is no flexibility in the regulations for alternative layouts (such as a provision that the form can be to like effect). The application forms received approval from the Secretary of State and were shared with administrators and EMS suppliers in advance to support their preparation and to agree templates before the legislation came into effect (this was covered in Bulletin 384 which you may find helpful).

We wanted to let you know that we will be making a few changes to how we send and present the Bulletin next month. A new look and format are coming…but the content and focus on ‘need-to-know’ information, guidance and resources available from the Electoral Commission will remain the same.

The key changes are:

• The Bulletin will no longer be a PDF document. The email will contain links through to a webpage (HTML format) which will make the Bulletin more accessible to those using assistive technology. You will still be able to print out a printer-friendly version if needed.
• A new look and layout, making it easier to read and access.
• You will receive the Bulletin from a dedicated Bulletin mailbox ([email protected])
• It will be easier to subscribe or unsubscribe. Going forward, you will be able to do this via the email notificition or directly on the Commission’s website.

The first new-look Bulletin will be coming out in September. If you have any feedback about the new-look Bulletin or experience any issues, please contact us at: [email protected]