Polling Day Do’s and Don’ts for accredited electoral observers
Further to Bulletin 406 and the launch of the new Code of Practice and guidance for accredited electoral observers, we wanted to update you that we have also published a one page set of Do’s and Don’ts for those observing at polling stations on May 7.
These summarise the legal requirements and expected behaviours of those observing, including the importance of following the directions of electoral officials and of reporting irregularities or suspected fraud to electoral officials as soon as they arise.
The Do’s and Don’ts resource has been shared with all accredited observers and observer organisations and was flagged as part of recent meetings with key observer organisations and our briefings for those planning on observing on polling day. These meetings and briefings covered the electoral observation process in full and the expectations on observer behaviour, which have been agreed to by the groups we have engaged with. You may find it helpful to include a copy of the observer Do’s and Don’ts in your polling station material for staff for easy reference on polling day.
We are keen to get your feedback on how the new Code, guidance and Do’s and Don’ts resource have worked in practice to support the important electoral observation process. Do please use our post poll surveys that we will share links to in a future EA Bulletin to provide any feedback you can or get in touch with the Electoral Commission, Wales team, as always.