Elections staff thanked for dealing with challenges on the day

Exeter City Council’s Chief Executive and Growth Director has thanked all staff who played a part in Thursday's local elections in the city.

Karime Hassan praised all those involved – some 500 people - in organising the elections, in the lead-up, during the day itself and at the count on the night.

“It is a massive undertaking and I can’t thank everyone enough for their efforts. This is local democracy at work and without the dedication of scores of City Council staff and many others, it just wouldn’t happen,” he said.

In Exeter, just over a third of the electorate turned out to vote, with a 36% turnout overall. The first result was declared at 12:30am and the last at 1:37am.

Throughout the city, polling station staff had to deal with a number of challenges including:

·A key to polling station snapping off in the lock when the presiding officer turned up to open up the building. Staff improvised and set up in the lobby whilst an emergency locksmith was called out.

·Gas company staff responding within 30 minutes to investigate a potential leak at a polling station. It turned out not to be gas.

·Aggressive and threatening behaviour and language by an individual at more than four polling stations, resulting in the police being called and attending polling stations

Many voters also turned up with their polling cards for the European elections on 23 May. Voters are reminded that these can be used when the city goes to the polls again at the end of the month.